Miami, Jan. 16, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC) will welcome Florida Chancellor of Early Learning Cari Miller at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at MDC North Campus’ Exploration Station, the College’s premier preschool. Chancellor Miller will kick off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! and engage with teacher apprentices and MDC students during her visit, providing insights into the critical role of early education as a foundation for lifelong success.
“Early education is paramount for future success, setting children on a trajectory for growth and achievement,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “At MDC, we are proud to champion this mission through innovative programs like the Exploration Station, which provides children with a strong foundation and teacher apprentices the opportunity to gain valuable experience, helping to shape the future of education and build strong communities.”
Early learning is widely recognized as a vital stage in a child’s development, laying the groundwork for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Research shows that high-quality early education programs not only improve school readiness but also contribute to long-term academic achievement, career success and community engagement.
“Ensuring access to high-quality early care and education opportunities through our state’s School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs is of upmost importance to the Division of Early Learning. Supporting early learning professionals and families in providing quality care and education to our youngest learners helps children enter kindergarten ready for school, which is an essential milestone in a child’s education journey,” said Chancellor Miller.
WHAT: MDC and FDOE Highlight the Importance of Early Learning
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, 12 – 2 p.m.
WHERE: MDC North Campus, Exploration Station (Building 600), 11380 N.W. 27th Ave.
About MDC’s School of Education
Miami Dade College’s School of Education (SOE) is a beacon of excellence in teacher preparation and professional learning, committed to fostering innovation and ensuring access to quality education. With personalized pathways, SOE equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for success in today’s classrooms. Guided by high-quality faculty and education experts, SOE prioritizes academic rigor and immersive experiential learning opportunities, while forging strategic partnerships to drive positive change in Miami-Dade County and beyond.
At the heart of this commitment is the Exploration Station, MDC’s premier early learning center designed to provide children with a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and foundational learning. The Exploration Station serves as both a preschool and a living lab for aspiring educators, offering hands-on opportunities to implement best practices in early childhood education. Through its innovative curriculum and dedication to high-quality teaching, the Exploration Station exemplifies MDC’s mission to elevate early learning experiences for children and support future educators in their professional growth.
By nurturing transformative leaders and fostering a culture of collaboration and lifelong learning, the SOE empowers educators to inspire and shape the future of education. Learn more at https://www.mdc.edu/education/about.