DSU celebrates opening of new ECIC building

Delaware State University recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) building, marking a major milestone for the state’s early education workforce and childcare system.

Photos from the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjChuDg.

The ECIC, housed on the DSU campus, aims to strengthen Delaware’s early childhood education pipeline by supporting educators from certification through degree completion. The program already supports nearly 500 scholars pursuing a CDA, associate, or bachelor’s degree while working directly with children from birth to age five across the state.

Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski, executive director of the ECIC, opened the ceremony by underscoring the center’s purpose and symbolism. “The arrow design in our logo represents growth and progress, along with our motto: unapologetically insisting on success,” she said. “A concept turned to reality, with close to 500 scholars actively working toward a CDA, associate, or bachelor’s degree, all while working with children from birth to age five in communities across the state.”

Following her remarks, Governor Matt Meyer emphasized the importance of sustained leadership and bipartisan support in making the ECIC a reality. He recalled his early visits to the center with his young son and pointed to years of work that predated the ribbon cutting.

“They didn’t wait for a grand opening,” Meyer said. “This center has already been working for years, under the model of President Tony Allen’s leadership.”

He credited federal and state leaders for laying the foundation. “President Biden fought for the CARES Act, and because of that, we’re here today,” Meyer said. “It was Governor Carney who raised his hand and said yes when President Allen came to him. Without that commitment, we wouldn’t be here.”

The theme of legacy continued as retired U.S. Sen. Tom Carper reflected on decades of work to improve education access in Delaware. Carper connected his passion to his experience as a father and public servant.

“Martha and I learned that the time to start preparing the workforce isn’t when they show up at college. It starts right out of the gate,” he said. “We called that the Delaware Way: working together to focus on what works.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons followed, describing the ECIC as the culmination of a long-term vision that started under previous administrations.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester focused her remarks on the real-life impact of childcare access. She cited a recent survey that showed more than 75 percent of Delaware families struggle to find affordable, quality childcare.

“People are skipping meals or cutting work hours just to afford care,” she said. “But what you are doing here at DSU can be a national model, not just in quantity, but in quality.”

Her remarks transitioned to U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, who spoke passionately about the importance of early childhood investment in shaping equitable futures.

“We have to build a cradle-through-career support system that lowers costs for families and improves outcomes for children,” McBride said. “Right now, we have a 1950s care infrastructure trying to support a 2025 workforce.”

The event also featured a personal testimony from ECIC scholar Evelyn Cubbage, who received her associate degree through the program this spring. With 41 years of experience in the field, she shared a story of persistence, support, and gratitude.

“When I applied to ECIC, I was determined not to give up,” Cubbage said. “Even when I didn’t feel like it, I pressed forward, and I graduated in May 2024.”

She credited the program with helping her grow both personally and professionally. “They helped with professional development, mental health, confidence, and even dressing the part,” she said. “I tell everyone: they pay for your classes, you get a stipend, and when you finish, you get a bonus.”

Closing remarks came from Dr. Shelley Rouser, chair of DSU’s Department of Education. She encouraged attendees to see the ribbon cutting as a symbol of shared responsibility and long-term investment.

“This is about more than opening doors. It’s about changing lives and trajectories,” she said. “This workforce is mostly women, mostly women of color. The investment we’re making today will echo across generations.”

She called on the community to play a role beyond the ceremony. “We all have a part to play,” Rouser said. “If I see you, I’m going to ask: what are you doing? What can you do?”

DSU President Tony Allen also addressed the crowd and offered thanks to the many stakeholders and partners who helped make the new ECIC building possible.

The Early Childhood Innovation Center will continue to serve as a statewide hub for training, advocacy, and educational advancement for early childhood educators across Delaware.