Museum Nurtures Development

Since The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (CMEC) opened its doors in December of 2004, some 53,500 children from toddlers to age ten and their parents have enjoyed a multitude of play experiences. Thanks to the generous support of private individuals and corporate entities, including OakLeaf Medical Network, who provided the funds for the museum’s Toddler Park, an interactive exhibit that offers all the fun special features of a make believe park…including the oak tree.

“Play is work”, says Suzie Slota, Executive Director of the CMEC. When your two years old, you’re working hard tackling new adventures and skills. The CMEC immerses children in physical, social and emotional levels of play.

OakLeaf Toddler Park is for the museum's littlest visitors, 3 years old and under. The park is designed to develop a child's gross and fine motor skills through activities like crawling, climbing and grasping. (Photo credit: PHOTO BY T-BO STUDIO)

Claudia Manning, ICSW, Caillier Clinic, Eau Claire, applauds the CMEC. “Children learn about their world through visual, tactile and experiential means. Developmentally, a child’s task is to master his/her world. At infancy this means developing trust, and as he or she grows older, a sense of self in a broader social world,” says Manning.

“At a young age children develop an understanding of how things work. Opportunities to achieve success in the activities in the museum are important to a child’s development. Besides, it is just plain fun!!”

Dr. Michael Smith, pediatrician, Southside Medical Clinic, Eau Claire, supports the active and interactive nature of the Toddler Park and the entire CMEC facility. Young children learn to challenge themselves physically and explore possibilities. “When parents encourage their kids to be physically active, they establish patterns that can help avoid sedentary life styles and obesity issues later. Cultivating the skills of social interaction, sharing, team building though the world of ‘play’ will be invaluable in later life,” commented Smith.

The Children’s Museum has quickly become an integral part of the cultural foundation of the community. The children that come through its doors each day are a priceless investment in the future.

These children are learning that Play is work.
Important lessons in the game of life.