2008 School Photo
Our Vision
Children have the right to grow up with a positive self image, a love of learning, and a respect for all.
Parents have the right to earn a living or further their education, secure in the knowledge that quality, affordable child development services are available.
Our Mission
Middle Earth provides high-quality non-profit child development services that incorporate developmentally appropriate activities through play. We are dedicated to maintaining standards of affordability, accessibility and accountability to ensure that parents, children and the community at large, regardless of financial situation, are best served.
Our History
Middle Earth Child Development Center was founded in 1971 as a nonprofit agency. At that time, the University of Oklahoma Student Association established the program as a place for their children to develop physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially through play. Housed in a World War II barracks on South campus, Middle Earth currently serves both university and community families with a staff of 16 full-time and 24 part-time employees who care for over 100 children, ages 12 months through kindergarten.
Our documented lesson plans allow children to develop at their own pace and as distinct individuals. Teachers work in partnership with parents to foster the integrity of the individual child, regardless of sex, race, religion, or socio-cultural background. Together, teachers and parents work to create and environment that fosters learning, a positive self-image and feelings of personal worth.
Middle Earth is licensed by the Department of Human Services as a 2-star agency and is a member of the Oklahoma Childcare Association. We have received a near-perfect rating from the Early Childhood Environmental Rating System (ERS), which requires an ongoing evaluation of environment, services, and professional development. Our legendary breakfasts, lunches and snacks, cooked fresh on-site, surpass nutritional requirements set the by Child Care Food Program, and we are very proud of our low teacher/student ratios.