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Programs

Our newest components are Violence Intervention, Conflict Resolution and Parent Effectiveness Training programs, designed to strengthen the child/parent relationship. We serve as practicum and lab sites for the Early Education, Human Services, Psychology, Dental and Nursing curricula. We also offer the Read from the Start program, through the Missouri Humanities Council.

Specific purposes of the Children’s Center:

1. To provide children of students, faculty, staff and people of the community at large childcare services on a convenient part-time and full-time basis.
2. To provide childcare services during the day and evening hours throughout the academic year and during the summer sessions.
3. To provide care for school-age children when their regular schools are closed.
4. To provide opportunities for practicum and lab students to observe or complete practicum assignments.

Age-appropriate settings of grouping are arranged so that those with fewer skills or less knowledge are able to learn from others in a group. They also are regrouped at times to meet specific cognitive needs appropriate for age and ability. Our facility is in safe building with furnishings and equipment scaled to the child's size and proportions. There are eight interest stations: music, art, blocks, language, library, science/math, quiet area and life learning.

Teachers work in teams, planning together and carrying out the program within the order of structure for the day. Plans are flexible to be responsive to the needs of the children. Routines for stable sequence include: outdoor time, snack time, bathroom, story time, lunch, nap and free play time. The teachers set the stage for learning through children’s interests and input, materials, ideas, suggestions and planned activities. Open learning occurs by asking questions and planned activity. Each child is respected through individual learning styles, interests and the speed at which information is learned. Serving as a model, the teacher helps children face real-life situations of cause and effect.

Computer Room

The computer room has 10 computer workstations, each equipped with the latest computer software for children of all ages. The computer room is designed to provide our children and parents with a relaxed setting to aid in making learning both a fun and educational experience. We've established this atmosphere by setting up different activity areas for our children, allowing them to use their cognitive and social skills to decide where they would like to engage in their learning experience. 

The reading lab has many books available for children of all ages to read. Once the child has selected a book, s/he has the choice of either reading at the table or lying on the activity rug. Other resources we have available in the computer room are a parent resource shelf, an older children’s shelf, a preschool shelf and a teacher’s shelf. Each shelf contains games and books relating to a specific child development tool, which can be used as a guide to help the child come up with different ways to creatively think about particular activities. We make backpacks available for our parents to check out so that they can continue to work with their children on chosen activities at home.  

The television area is used for both interactive learning and relaxation. Our television area contains chairs and a couch and has a VCR that is equipped to handle computer software. 

One unique area that maintains a comfortable environment is a saltwater tropical fish tank. The fish tank comforts and visually stimulates the children as they watch the fish swim through the water. It also enhances their cognitive skills as they process the different ways that the plant life, rocks and equipment help to create a good home environment for the fish.