Program
The Child Development Center is a university laboratory school that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We are committed to providing a high-quality program that is developmentally appropriate to meet the unique needs of preschool-aged children while accommodating the individual characteristics of each child. Children are encouraged to recognize and respect each other's differences and similarities such as gender, race, culture, and abilities.
Staff
We maintain a low teacher-to-child ratio. Our staff consists of a director and teachers trained in child development plus MSU students enrolled in child development-early childhood education classes. Students are carefully supervised and are an important asset to the program. They are learning how to guide children effectively while learning how to plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities.
The staff promotes a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that encourages children to learn as they encounter and solve problems.
Curriculum
Because children learn as they actively discover, explore and interact with materials, our program provides many opportunities for children to learn through their play. Our curriculum reflects the interests and needs of the children and their families. We utilize materials that are real, concrete, and meaningful to the children. The classroom is arranged in a variety of activity centers to permit freedom of movement and child-initiated choices.
Parents
Parents are important to our program. Both home and school have important functions in guiding the total development of a child; creating a cooperative endeavor. Parents are encouraged to participate in any way.
Enrollment Procedure
Children ages 3 years old through kindergarten are eligible to attend the Child Development Center. When the application for enrollment form is completed and filed with the director, your child's name is placed on a waiting list. Parents are notified when an opening occurs.
|
Enrollment Options/Sessions
The options are for Monday through Friday and include any time period within that session..
- 7:30-12:30 pm (half day)
- 12:30-5:30 pm (half day)
- 7:30-5:30 pm (full day)
The center is operated on a full-year schedule and is closed only on university holidays.
Fee Payment
Payments are made monthly or semi-monthly as preferred by parents. Ten vacation/sick days per year are included in the payment schedule.
Checks are given to the director and made payable to Montana State University.
Location
The Child Development Center is operated by the Montana State University Department of Health and Human Development. It is located in Herrick Hall on the corner of South Seventh and West Cleveland Streets. The telephone number is 994-5008.
There is an observation booth for the center and parents are welcome to observe their child at any time of the day.
Daily Program
Activity Centers
- Self-selection of activities including art, blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, language arts, etc.
Circle Time
- Group activities involving games, stories, music, body movement, language, drama, etc.
Snack/Lunch
- Nutritious food served in a relaxed setting; preceded by hand-washing.
Outdoor Play
- Self-selection of activities or participation in special activities.
This center participates in the US Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program and is open to all eligible children, regardless of age, sex, color, race, national origin, or handicap. If you believe you have been discriminated against in receiving food services because of age, sex, color, race, national origin, or handicap, write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 20250.
|
