Ms. Karen Stephens

Family and Consumer Sciences - Director, Child Care Center

Contact Information:

Phone:

(309) 438-5026

Email:

Office Hours:

Office:

MFOB 121

Research Interests:

Parenting, Nature Education, Affect of Indoor and Outdoor Environmnents on Learning, Design of Early Childhood Program Facilities

Specialization:

Early Childhood

Professional Organizations:

National Association for the Education of Young Children, World Forum Foundation on Early Care and Education

Profile:

In 1975 Karen began working professionally with children in nursery school and child care.  She was first employed at ISU Child Care Center in 1976 as a Head Teacher with preschool children. Since 1980, she served as Director of the program.  As part of her responsibilities, Karen is also on the faculty of the ISU Family and Consumer Sciences Department.  She teaches one class each semester relating to child development or administering early childhood programs.
 
Karen has always been fascinated with children’s development, especially how they think and learn.  She says that life through a child’s eyes is never boring. Working in an early childhood program gives her daily contact with some of the most interesting people on earth: our children. To Karen, children are wise, funny and extremely honest. Those qualities make her life work very engaging.  As director Karen takes great satisfaction in making sure that all program components are running smoothly so children and families receive top-notch child care and early education services. It is her role to support teachers as they create warm, engaging environments for children. That environment will in turn help children reach their potential in all areas of development. Being able to work cooperatively with her fellow staff members, who are all consummate professionals, has allowed Karen to follow her personal mission of helping children grow into caring, intelligent and responsible adults.

In 1987, Karen obtained ISU Child Care Center’s initial accreditation with fellow child care staff.  From 1990-1992, Karen served as President of the Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children.  In 2000, she received the highly coveted Distinguished Service Award from Illinois State University.

Since 1984, Ms. Stephens has had many books and articles published, from newspaper to journals. Her most recent parenting publication is titled Parenting Exchange: The Complete Library on CD, published by Exchange Press.