A recent visit by members of the UC San Francisco Police Department to the University Child Care Center at Mission Bay brought plenty of smiles while providing a learning opportunity for the children.
“Our team at UCSFPD loves coming to these types of events and interacting with the children,” said Lieutenant Wailun Shiu (photographed, center, listening to children cheer). “These are wonderful opportunities to create positive interactions and memories for the children. It’s important to teach children at an early age that members of public safety can be trusted and are there to help and support. As a parent, it is important for me to convey the message to not be afraid of members of public safety and to go to us when they are in danger.”
The event was organized by Caroline Wick Carter, IBCLC, Specialist, Family Services, and Nathalie Larsen, regional manager of Bright Horizons, the child care provider for UCSF. “We are always looking for opportunities to enrich children and families with an experience from UCSF groups and partners like Facilities, Real Estate, Sustainability, Recology, and UCSFPD,” said Carter. “We love seeing the children’s eyes light up, and it sure brightens our day too. Connect with Family Services if your team has an experience to share!”
Larsen said events like the UCSFPD visiting become an extension of the curriculum and create learning experiences that take the curriculum beyond the classroom walls. “The partnership with unique experts, such as UCSFPD, enhance children’s learning of a particular topic. This event allowed children to interact, ask and answer questions, and deepen their knowledge around safety in a fun and joyful way.”
And, boy, did the children have fun! They were able to sit in the front seat of a police car and operate the siren, loudspeaker, and flashing lights. They also met McGruff the Crime Dog.
Larsen said members of the UCSFPD engaged the children in fun ways. “They had whole groups of preschoolers laughing and wanting more,” she said. “Having a direct experience with the officers deepened the children’s understanding in a meaningful way of important people that keep our neighborhoods and communities safe.”
The children also learned about road safety, to look both ways when crossing streets, and what to do in an emergency.
In the coming months, Larsen said the children will have additional educational opportunities including a visit from a poison prevention expert, storytellers, musicians, and other performances.
“We also invite families to participate in classrooms by sharing a tradition or being what we call a ‘visiting expert’. Anyone can be a visiting expert – you just need to know a little more than a preschooler! These events provide an opportunity for children to deepen their learning and enriches their childcare experience,” Larsen said.
For more information about the array of child and family services available at UCSF, visit UCSF Family Services.
