JMU’s Young Children’s Program opens new site to expand education, research

James Madison University’s Young Children’s Program (YCP) opened a new space in Memorial Hall earlier this year, expanding its services for preschool education. This new location is an addition to the YCP’s existing space in Anthony-Seeger Hall. Now, the program operates across both locations, serving children ages 2-to-5 at Anthony-Seeger and 3-to-5 years old at Memorial Hall, with an infant and toddler wing expected to open soon.  

The YCP, which operates under JMU’s College of Education (COE), strives to provide high quality teaching, research, and outreach that foster lifelong learning. Their goals are to encourage self-regulation, independence, and healthy social interaction, while encouraging motor skills, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. Overall, the program aims to support well-rounded personal and intellectual growth in young learners.  

“This new space allows us to further extend our work with children and expand hands-on training for future educators,” said YCP program director Amy Taylor. “It’s exciting to see the growth of the YCP and to think of all of the future possibilities.” 

The YCP also includes observation rooms attached to four classrooms, with one-way windows, cameras and microphones; these features allow JMU faculty and students to conduct research and collect data without disrupting the class environment, further strengthening YCP’s connection to the university’s academic community. 

This fall, JMU’s School of Music professor Rachel Grimsby is leading the first research study conducted in the new YCP space, alongside COE professors Maryam Sharifian and Chelsey Bahlmann Bollinger, and consulted by Julian Knight, who led a similar study in the United Kingdom.  The 12-week study explores how weekly music activities influence language development and early literacy skills in preschoolers. The research, a JMU Center for Advancement Research in Education initiative, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration by combining teacher-led songs and movement with child-led exploration of picture books.  

“The Young Children’s Program reflects COE’s commitment to supporting life-long learning, research and service,” said Mark L’Esperance, dean of the COE. “This new space strengthens collaboration among students, faculty and families while helping prepare the next generation of educators.”  

Beyond its role as a research and teaching space, the YCP also provides opportunities for JMU students to earn volunteer service hours and mentor children.  As the program continues to grow, it demonstrates JMU’s ongoing dedication in improving learning, fostering innovative learning, and creating a space where all members can learn and grow together.