ARTICLE
Southeastern University (SEU) has received $4 million in appropriated funds from the Florida Legislature in order to fund the construction and launch of a private Christian early childhood learning center and preschool for children ages zero to four. “As a university, we are beyond excited to be able to offer a quality learning experience for children and families of our staff, faculty and the greater Lakeland community,” said Dr. Kent Ingle, SEU president. “This will be a stepping stone for us as we strive to expand our reach in providing education that is both affordable and accessible.” The learning center and preschool will be rooted in classical education, focusing on milestone and routine-based learning that encourages natural and outdoor play and classically guided exploration. With two, three and five-day options available for parents, the preschool program will offer holistic development for children. SEU is aiming to break ground on the project in the fall of 2024. “Southeastern is partnering with individuals and businesses in the community to provide a top-rate private educational option to current and future Polk County residents. SEU’s early learning and preschool programs will be an option for families seeking excellence in education with an emphasis on logic, leadership and service with a Christian worldview,” said Julie Paul, chief advancement officer. Students from SEU’s College of Education will have the opportunity to work in the learning center and preschool, gaining hands-on experience. “Our students will receive training in multiple aspects of early childhood learning and development, ultimately allowing us to continue to produce highly-skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce and serve the Polk County community,” said Ingle. In addition to the funds approved for the early learning center and preschool, the university also received $500,000 in order to fund the Pathways: Life Skills House project. The Pathways School of Excellence is SEU’s middle school and high school program for students with special needs. The purpose of the Life Skills House is to increase opportunities for Pathways students to learn functional living skills and grow their competitive employability. The project will provide a house on campus where students can learn these skills and apply them in an environment similar to the real world. Students will be able to generalize the skills that they learn in the classroom and within the housing space and use those to participate in various jobs across the university’s campus. Ingle expressed his sincere appreciation to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Doug Broxson, Senator Colleen Burton and Representative Jennifer Canady for their support of these initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about SEU’s learning center and preschool, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Julie Paul at jrpaul@seu.edu.
Southeastern University (SEU) has received $4 million in appropriated funds from the Florida Legislature in order to fund the construction and launch of a private Christian early childhood learning center and preschool for children ages zero to four.
“As a university, we are beyond excited to be able to offer a quality learning experience for children and families of our staff, faculty and the greater Lakeland community,” said Dr. Kent Ingle, SEU president. “This will be a stepping stone for us as we strive to expand our reach in providing education that is both affordable and accessible.”
The learning center and preschool will be rooted in classical education, focusing on milestone and routine-based learning that encourages natural and outdoor play and classically guided exploration. With two, three and five-day options available for parents, the preschool program will offer holistic development for children.
SEU is aiming to break ground on the project in the fall of 2024.
“Southeastern is partnering with individuals and businesses in the community to provide a top-rate private educational option to current and future Polk County residents. SEU’s early learning and preschool programs will be an option for families seeking excellence in education with an emphasis on logic, leadership and service with a Christian worldview,” said Julie Paul, chief advancement officer.
Students from SEU’s College of Education will have the opportunity to work in the learning center and preschool, gaining hands-on experience.
“Our students will receive training in multiple aspects of early childhood learning and development, ultimately allowing us to continue to produce highly-skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce and serve the Polk County community,” said Ingle.
In addition to the funds approved for the early learning center and preschool, the university also received $500,000 in order to fund the Pathways: Life Skills House project. The Pathways School of Excellence is SEU’s middle school and high school program for students with special needs. The purpose of the Life Skills House is to increase opportunities for Pathways students to learn functional living skills and grow their competitive employability.
The project will provide a house on campus where students can learn these skills and apply them in an environment similar to the real world. Students will be able to generalize the skills that they learn in the classroom and within the housing space and use those to participate in various jobs across the university’s campus.
Ingle expressed his sincere appreciation to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Doug Broxson, Senator Colleen Burton and Representative Jennifer Canady for their support of these initiatives.
If you are interested in learning more about SEU’s learning center and preschool, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Julie Paul at jrpaul@seu.edu.