Medgar Evers College Opened New Child Play Space
The 864-square-foot gymnasium provides children aged 2 to 4 a dedicated environment for physical development.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Child Care
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Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn has unveiled a new indoor play space specifically designed for the Ella Baker/Charles Romain Child Development Center. The facility offers children ages 2 through 4 a focused area to improve motor skills.
Why it matters
This dedicated environment replaces the need for young children to share gymnasium space with older students, supporting their development through play. Access extends beyond the student body, with one-third of center seats reserved for staff, faculty, and neighbors.
The new 864-square-foot gymnasium provides a specialized motor-skill development zone for children aged 2 to 4. This follows a model used across the 17 CUNY-operated childcare centers, which serve a student body where 20% are parents.
The players
Medgar Evers College
A Brooklyn-based institution and member of the City University of New York system.
CUNY
The public university system of New York City that maintains 17 campus-based childcare centers.
The details
The project repurposed an existing campus space to establish a private gymnasium for the Ella Baker/Charles Romain Child Development Center. By separating these younger students from the general campus athletic facilities, the college creates a developmentally appropriate area for structured play and weekly yoga classes. Funding for the improvement was provided by the state and QUALITYstarsNY.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: The CUNY Chancellor toured the newly opened indoor play space.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with the statewide quality-improvement standards set by QUALITYstarsNY for early childhood environments. It reflects a broader institutional focus on balancing childcare access for student-parents with the facility needs of faculty and the surrounding community.
For parents seeking campus-based childcare, this facility offers an environment specifically engineered for younger children's motor skill development. Interested faculty or neighboring community members may want to check with the center regarding current seat availability.
The takeaway
Dedicated movement spaces can help toddlers develop core motor skills in a secure environment. Families may consider prioritizing institutions that meet established quality benchmarks for early childhood play areas.
Further reading
Find more resources and updates on local programs at Child Care.
More information
For more information on the university's childcare services, visit the CUNY institutional website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ourtimepress.
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