UMN Crookston educating students of all ages, celebrates 25 years of its Early Childhood Development Center

Reaching this milestone is a wonderful reminder of how deeply the Center continues to shape lives, strengthen families, and build lasting connections between our campus and community.

The University of Minnesota Crookston's Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) celebrated 25 years on November 1, 2025. The center opened in the fall of 1974, first housed in the lower level of Robertson Hall, and began as a hands-on resource for students in health and family services. It quickly became a campus training ground for those studying child development.

By the late 1990s, discussions were circulating about the idea of a standalone building for the center and, on May 5, 1999, construction started. The Early Childhood building was declared completed on February 14, 2000 and a grand dedication was held later that year on November 1, 2000. Accompanying Chancellor Emeritus Don Sargeant at the ribbon cutting ceremony was former Minnesota Senator Roger D. Moe, now namesake of the UMN Crookston library, plus faculty, staff, and regional dignitaries.

This new space was built to do three main jobs - a laboratory for students to observe and practice childhood development, a great childcare program for campus and community children, and a hub for innovative programming and research in child and family science.

The ECDC consists of three groups consisting of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Having children's facilities on campus allows university students real experiences when dealing with classroom occurrences, as well as providing Crookston families with child care.

"When I think about celebrating 25 years of the Early Childhood Development Center, it feels a little like coming full circle," said ECDC director Tu Lynn Sommerfeld. "I first walked through these halls as an early childhood education student, dreaming of helping young children learn and grow. I raised my own family in this community - and now, for the past ten years, I've had the honor of leading the very program that helped shape my career path."

To Sommerfeld, the ECDC has always been about more than just childcare. It's been a place where children are nurtured, promoting their overall healthy development, families are supported, and future educators discover their passion, and all the hard work that goes with teaching.

"Reaching this milestone is a wonderful reminder of how deeply the Center continues to shape lives, strengthen families, and build lasting connections between our campus and community," Sommerfeld added.

The ECDC has been a huge factor in shaping UMN Crookston's academic mission, originally starting as a lab site for health and family services majors. Students gain monitored observational skills while the local community and campus benefit from a reliable early learning program.

"When I first toured the University of Minnesota Crookston Early Childhood Development Center, I knew UMC was where I belonged," shared Mackenzie Ondrush, student worker at the center. "It's close to home and has such a friendly, connected campus community. This will be my fourth year working at the ECDC, and it has truly been the best experience."

"I've learned so much from the ECDC staff and families about working with children, and I wouldn't change a thing," Ondrush added. "Working at the center means so much to me because I get to see children grow, learn, and build confidence every day. It's so rewarding to be part of their learning journey and to create a space where they feel safe, supported, and valued."

Officially celebrating 25 years in operation, the Early Childhood Development Center continues to thrive. Open on weekdays, infants through Pre-K are introduced to nurturing care, curiosity, and engaging programs.

(Chancellor Emeritus Don Sargeant, third from right, is joined by former Minnesota Senator Roger D. Moe, fourth from right, and regional leaders, faculty, such as Connie Camrud and Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson on the right, and staff, in the ECDC ribbon cutting in 2000.)

(Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura reads to children at the ECDC following its opening.)

(UMN Crookston's Early Childhood Development Center after construction is completed.)

Share this story

Related Stories

See All Stories