New director at children's institute focuses on improving services, programs
Eric Mayes says Merrill-Palmer's strength is in helping students learn
Adriene Jenkins / For The South End
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Features
When it comes to investing in children, laying a solid foundation is paramount. Part of this foundation should be teaching good behavior, sound judgment and a thirst for knowledge.
Eric Mayes, associate director of the Merrill-Palmer Skillman Institute and executive director of the institute's Child Development Laboratory (CDL), hopes to ensure that children are equipped with these qualities daily.
"Malcolm X said that 'education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it,'" said Mayes, an adjunct professor at WSU. "Education is my passion. Education, exposure, cultivation, and access gives children an opportunity."
Even though Mayes has only been part of the team for a few months, he notes that enhancing and improving the quality of services and programs are at the forefront of his agenda.
The Child Development Laboratory, located at 71 E. Ferry St., serves children from metro Detroit and children of WSU students, faculty and staff.
Since its founding in 1920, Merrill-Palmer has been dedicated to the improvement of family life and human development, Mayes said.
"We have an exploratory philosophy that allows students to engage and build their learning experiences," he said. "The goal of CDL is to help students reach their potential, explore and make sense of the world.
"In addition to helping the student, it is to make sure the whole child is developed. The CDL helps student parents by offering stability for their children. Stability is critical for children so we must provide a good foundation."
As a professor, Mayes has taught human development classes.
"Ultimately it's about human growth," he said. "It's about helping children grow and develop into an optimal, functioning human being. It means assisting them in reaching their potential. These are the formidable years and we have an opportunity to be involved and a part of how these children turn out."
One of the best things the development lab offers children and their parents is diversity.
Eric Mayes, associate director of the Merrill-Palmer Skillman Institute and executive director of the institute's Child Development Laboratory (CDL), hopes to ensure that children are equipped with these qualities daily.
"Malcolm X said that 'education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it,'" said Mayes, an adjunct professor at WSU. "Education is my passion. Education, exposure, cultivation, and access gives children an opportunity."
Even though Mayes has only been part of the team for a few months, he notes that enhancing and improving the quality of services and programs are at the forefront of his agenda.
The Child Development Laboratory, located at 71 E. Ferry St., serves children from metro Detroit and children of WSU students, faculty and staff.
Since its founding in 1920, Merrill-Palmer has been dedicated to the improvement of family life and human development, Mayes said.
"We have an exploratory philosophy that allows students to engage and build their learning experiences," he said. "The goal of CDL is to help students reach their potential, explore and make sense of the world.
"In addition to helping the student, it is to make sure the whole child is developed. The CDL helps student parents by offering stability for their children. Stability is critical for children so we must provide a good foundation."
As a professor, Mayes has taught human development classes.
"Ultimately it's about human growth," he said. "It's about helping children grow and develop into an optimal, functioning human being. It means assisting them in reaching their potential. These are the formidable years and we have an opportunity to be involved and a part of how these children turn out."
One of the best things the development lab offers children and their parents is diversity.
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