MIAMI, FL. — Miami Children's Museum announces the opening of the Parent/Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) on Wednesday, December 3, 2003, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Located at 980 MacArthur Causeway, the cocktail reception will be attended by leaders from Miami Children's Museum and Miami Children's Hospital. The PTRC is sponsored by Miami Children's Hospital and will provide a comprehensive collection of print, multi-media, audio-visual, educational kit resources and programs available to the public.

“Miami Children's Hospital was one of the first supporters of the museum,” said Deborah Spiegelman, executive director, Miami Children's Museum. “We are very lucky to have their support, both financial and intellectual.” With the exception of some audio-visual and software holdings, all resources will be lendable and special attention will be given to developing a diverse section of bilingual materials.

“Miami Children's Hospital is proud to partner with Miami Children’s Museum to enhance community awareness regarding children and their special health and developmental needs. Together we can further our common mission, helping the children of this community achieve their highest potential,” said Thomas M. Rozek, President and CEO of Miami Children's Hospital.

The PTRC will present free monthly evening seminars to introduce parents and educators to relevant research topics and techniques regarding the development of their infant, toddler or preschooler in an interactive format. The drop-in resource center is a free public space available and accessible to the entire community. The holdings address important current issues such as education, child care and safety, family healthcare, parenting, etc. in a place where ideas and information are exchanged.

Patrons of the center will also have access to computers with Internet capabilities; scanners; copiers; educator-sized laminator and a small literacy corner located near the prep station allows children to read or play, while their parents are researching and working.

Open Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the center may also be opened at any time upon request. The PTRC is free to the general public as well as visitors of the museum.

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Founded in 1983, the Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. Located on Watson Island, the 56,500-square-foot facility includes 12 galleries, classrooms, parent/teacher resource center, Subway restaurant, Kid Smart educational gift shop and 200-seat auditorium. The museum offers hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits; programs and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. To learn more about the museum, please visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.

Founded in 1950, Miami Children's Hospital is the only licensed specialty hospital for children in South Florida. Recognized as a top pediatric hospital in the U.S. by U.S.News & World Report, the 268-bed medical complex offers medical care and services for children from birth to age 21. The facility treats more than 185,000 patients each year and has expertise in all aspects of pediatric medicine.

Become a Volunteer! The museum has many exciting opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer. To learn more about volunteering call 305.373.kids (5437) ext. 200, e-mail volunteer@miamichildrensmuseum.org or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/volunteer/index.shtml.

Miami Children’s Museum receives both private and public funding. MCM is sponsored in part by the City of Miami; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.