Ball State's Office of Recreation Services offers its monthly child care program tonight in the Ball Gym. The Parents Night Out, which is open for children ages four to 14, costs $15 for a child and $25 for two children.
Abby Thrine, a graduate student and the supervisor of the program, said nine staff members including her would watch children tonight. Games, activities and movies are provided to children, she said.
"This time, we are going to try to do some arts and crafts to make some holiday things," Thrine said.
This is the third time they provide the program. She said that unlike the last two, the program this time hopefully would provide a good opportunity for parents to do some Christmas shopping or to go to holiday parties.
Aaron Olson, an assistant director of the Recreation Services, said all the staff members were reliable and experienced. Most of the members have worked for the Cardinal Kids Camp, a program the Recreation Services offers during summer, he said.
"The biggest thing we would like to say is that parents know that it is a safe place for the kids," he said. "We have built a good reputation with Cardinal Kids Camp and parents know that they can trust us."
The staff members are qualified for the program, Olson said. "We guarantee that everybody works with us had criminal background check. Everybody is clean."
The program has several advantages that babysitting does not have, Thrine said.
Because children can get interaction with other children, they seem to like the program, she said.
Thrine said the children, who had never met each other before, could get along well during the program.
"As soon as we get in the gym and we have the toys out, they all get their games going and forming own groups," she said.
Being able to use the gym and equipments is a benefit for the program because children can be active, Olson said.
"At home, they are more likely sitting and watching TV or playing video games," he said. "This is a healthier choice, I think."
The program is also beneficial for the staff members because it provides an opportunity to work with children, Olson said.
"A lot of (the staff members) are education students," he said. "Working with kids in an environment like this gives them real-world practical experience."
The program started in October, and the staff members saw positive reactions of both parents and children in the last two times, Thrine said.
"I got couple of parents call after the first one saying their kids had a good time," she said.
Olson said he had received e-mail from parents asking questions on the program.
"There is a need on campus," he said. "There aren't a lot of opportunities for parents to provide low-cost child care in evenings."
Drop off begins at 5:45 p.m. at the gym's front doors, and parents can pick up children anytime until 10 p.m. Children are asked to wear tennis shoes for activities. No preregistration is needed for the program.
By bringing a non-perishable food, a $5 discount will be provided. The food will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana.
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