SUU’s Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Hope Earns National Recognition
Published: November 26, 2025 | Author: Gabrielle Costello | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University’s (SUU) Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Hope has been nationally recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), marking a major milestone for the program and reaffirming its commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
NAEYC is the nation’s premier accrediting body for early learning programs serving children from birth through age eight. The Center for Hope’s recent recognition signals that the program meets nationally vetted standards for high-quality learning environments, health and safety practices, curriculum, and teacher qualifications This recognition provides families with the assurance that their children are receiving nurturing, developmentally appropriate care and education.
“This is such an exciting achievement for our team,” said Tayzha Huxford, director of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Hope. “We are fortunate to have an incredible group of full-time and part-time staff—many who have been with us for years Their dedication, expertise, and genuine care for children are what truly sets our program apart and made this recognition possible.”
The Center for Hope serves a vital role at SUU by providing high-quality, on-campus childcare for degree-seeking parents at both the university and Southwest Tech.This crucial service allows student parents to attend classes, maintain employment, and focus on academic success knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.
Two standout elements contributed meaningfully to the NAEYC recognition:
- Exceptional Teachers and Staff: Their professionalism, warmth, and commitment create a positive culture where teachers feel supported, parents feel confident, and children feel welcome. This includes dedicated leaders across every age group—infant rooms led by Taylor Larsen and Tallie Chamberlain, toddler rooms led by Mckenna Kummer, Jackie Petersen, and Payton Blackner, and preschool classes led by Heather Hudson and Carla Condie.
- An Outstanding Food Program: Led by nutrition specialist Kara Warby Wheeler, the kitchen team provides nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks while accommodating allergies and dietary needs. This ensures every child is safe, nourished, and ready to learn.
“Our work strengthens families and supports the success of student parents,” Huxford said. “When childcare is accessible and high-quality, parents stay in school, graduate, and build brighter futures for their families and our community.”
The recognition from NAEYC follows a months-long review and application effort completed by staff. Before an early learning program can apply for full NAEYC accreditation, it must first earn official recognition. The Center for Hope worked diligently throughout the summer to prepare and submitted its application. Now that the national recognition has been granted, the team will continue preparing for the next phase and will submit its full accreditation application in spring 2026.
The Center for Hope is also a proud participant in Utah’s statewide Child Care Quality System and is currently in the process of renewing its rating. Leaders are hopeful The Center will earn its third consecutive High Quality designation—another testament to its consistent excellence.
A main proponent of keeping childcare affordable for student parents at The Center has been the Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) grant, led by CCAMPIS Coordinator Adriana Carranza. The Center is entering its final year of grant funding and leaders are working toward securing renewed funding or new partnerships to ensure financial support continues. Additionally, like many programs statewide, The Center is navigating the impacts of the conclusion of the Child Care Stabilization Grant, which previously supported wages and operating costs.
“In five years, I hope we will have long-term support in place to ensure student parents continue to have access to high-quality, affordable childcare,” Huxford said. “This work is essential to the educational success of our families and the overall well-being of our campus community.”
The Center expressed appreciation for the many individuals and groups that have contributed to its success. This includes President Mindy Benson, the Cabinet, and Student Affairs leaders for their ongoing support. Key players also include the early advocates who established the program, the advisory board led by chair Sydney Nakken, along with generous donors, a dedicated administrative team led by Calli Pollock, and exceptional teachers and assistants.
“Their leadership and investment have been instrumental in our growth,” Huxford said. “Because of their support, our Center has become a strong, stable, and deeply impactful resource for student families.”
Tags: CurStu Campus Resources Prospective Students Parents Community Family Life and Human Development Child Care Center
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu