Center for Child Development

Center Philosophy

The Muskingum College Center for Child Development strives to provide a loving and safe environment and uses developmentally appropriate practices and materials. Social interaction is the main focus of the program. This is supported by activities that encourage social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth. No child shall be denied enrollment and/or participation based upon sex, color, race, religion, or national origin.

Goals of the Center

To promote positive interaction with children and adults, nurturing the social and emotional well being of each child.

• To be a creative thinker and problem solver.
• To promote health and safety.
• To build independence and a positive self-esteem.
• To encourage development of fine and gross motor skills.

Curriculum Goals

Young children learn through creative play and by actively exploring and manipulating their environment. Teachers provide a rich learning environment and learning activities including routine activities and extended project activities. Both are developed through observation of the child and include a goal of meeting the individual needs of the children.

Curriculum goals are met through:

• the daily schedule
• activities planned according to the individual children's needs and interests and the group needs and interests
• developmentally appropriate practices and materials
• positive guidance

The daily schedule will include a balance of the following:

• group and individual activities
• indoor and outdoor play
• small muscle and large muscle activities
• quiet time and active time
• creative expression

Routines such as eating, sleeping, toilet needs, and dressing are handled in a reassuring manner.

Sample Daily Schedule

Full-Day, Half-Day and Preschool Schedule
7:00 - 9:00	Program opens. Children choose from a variety of activities such as blocks, books, puzzles, art. Children are encouraged to interact socially and build language skills by sharing stories and discussing events in their lives.
9:00 - 9:20	Morning preschool children arrive at 9:00 a.m. Children will have free choice play.
9:20 - 9:30	Clean up and wash for snack
9:30 - 9:40	Group time discussion
9:40 - 10:00	Snack
10:00 - 10:40	Learning Centers - planned activities to encourage development of social, physical, cognitive, and emotional skills. Children will have the opportunity to experience all areas of curriculum including math, science, art, language, music, social studies, and dramatic play.
10:40 - 10:55	Group time discussion
10:55 - 11:20	Gross motor skills development
11:20 - 11:30	Closing/Story. Morning Preschoolers are dismissed
11:30 - 11:45	Prepare for lunch. Use restrooms, wash hands, set table
11:45 - 12:30	Lunch. Soft conversation, soft music, clean up space, use restroom, wash hands, quiet activities
12:30 - 1:15	Outdoor play/large motor/gross motor activities
1:15 - 1:30	Prepare for rest time.Use restroom, wash hands, get blankets, lie down. Shared reading
1:30 - 3:00	Rest time. Children rest quietly on cots or sleep, or engage in quiet activities alone, in small groups, or with the teacher
3:00 - 3:30	Wake up time. Use rest room, wash hands, have snack
3:30 - 4:30	Learning centers
4:30 - 4:45	Clean up, prepare to go outside
4:45 - 5:15	Outdoor/gross motor activities