(L-r) Gov. John Carney chats with Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), and Dr. Shelley Rouser, Chair of the University's Education Department, with the demolition of Grossley Hall in the background. The ECIC Building will be constructed on that site. — *In this photo:* (L-r) Gov. John Carney chats with Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), and Dr. Shelley Rouser, Chair of the University’s Education Department, with the demolition of Grossley Hall in the background. The ECIC Building will be constructed on that site.

On Campus

Gov. Carney receives ECIC update during University visit

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Gov. John Carney paid Delaware State University a visit on July 20 to discuss the ongoing development of an Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) on campus. (L-r) Raeleah Cave, Early Childhood Lab director, talks with Gov. John Carney and Education Secretary Mark Holodick.

Gov. Carney – who first announced the initiative in the fall of 2021 – was joined by Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick on campus, where they met with Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski, Executive Director of the ECIC, Dr. Shelley Rouser, Chair of the University’s Education Department, and other University officials.

The Governor first stopped at the site where the demolition of Grossley Hall – which formerly served as an administration building on campus – was taking place. The removal of that 65-year-old building will make space for the ECIC building, the construction of which is to begin this fall and is slated for completion by December 2024.

After making a stop at the University’s Early Childhood Lab, Gov. Carney then met with the University’s ECIC officials at the institution’s Administration Building, where he received updates on the ongoing progress of the center. A rendering of the future Early Childhood Innovation Center on campus.

Delaware State University is receiving $30.6 million over five years to construct and launch the ECIC facility, from which a statewide infrastructure to strengthen childcare across the state will be developed. In addition to providing a unique pathway for Delawareans seeking careers in the childcare industry, the ECIC will also provide additional professional credentials and career advancement opportunities for those employed in the caring and education of pre-kindergarten children.

By constructing the ECIC edifice on campus, Delaware State University becomes the hub for this initiative. The University will develop the scholarship program to provide financial assistance to those striving to advance as early childhood education providers.