SMSU extends infant/toddler lab 6 months

The Southwest Missouri State University Board of Governors voted July 18 to keep its infant/toddler laboratory open for six months and asked the administration to make a presentation on its long-term future at the Sept. 19 meeting in Mountain Grove.

A planning group will "assess the long-term feasibility of having a high-quality infant/toddler laboratory" at SMSU, a university release said.

Jim Baker, assistant to the president, will head the group, which is being formed by SMSU President John H. Keiser.

"The planning group will be asked to consider a number of issues, from funding the lab so it is self-sufficient to some reorganization within the university that might better focus and coordinate a number of programs we offer relating to family and early childhood development," Keiser said.

Keiser and Baker emphasized that the meetings will be scheduled in advance, well publicized and open to the public. Baker will provide an update at the Aug. 1 Board of Governors meeting.

Budget concerns led to SMSU's original decision to close its infant/toddler program as of July 31.