Child Development Center
901 S. National
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-6759 or 836-7650
Recognition of Quality in Childhood Care and Education
Missouri Accreditation of Childhood Care and Education Programs
Licensed by
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Members of:
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Association for the Care of Children’s Health
National Coalition for Campus Children’s Centers
Parent Handbook
WELCOME
We would like to welcome your family to the Missouri State University Child Development Center and congratulate you in participating in our program. It is an honor to serve your family. We know how important your children are to you and that is why we will provide only the best care possible. Not only are we here to meet the needs of your children but to also help your family as a unit. Research has shown that children are more successful when their parents are involved in the learning process. The staff looks forward to getting to know your child and family. Our hope is that this program exceeds your expectations for quality and excellence. We want your experiences at Missouri State University Child Development Center create memories that you will treasure forever.
“Where families are teachers and teachers are family”
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Child Development Center is a part of the Childhood Education and Family Studies Department which resides in the College of Education. Early Childhood Education and Family Development is a comprehensive major area of study. Common employment positions for our graduates are: preschool administrators, teachers, child life specialists in medical settings, infant-toddler specialists, school-age program directors and teachers, parent educators, intervention specialists in crisis agencies, nannies, and family activity specialists. Some graduates elect to pursue advance degrees in areas relating to children and families.
The Child Development Center programs provide practicum experience for university students from the College of Health and Human Services (Departments of Consumer and Family Studies; Social Work; Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders) and the College of Education (Early Childhood Education and Special Education).
The Child Development Center practices developmentally appropriate practice with young children. Developmentally appropriate practice, often shortened to DAP, is an approach to teaching grounded both in the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework is designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development.
DAP involves teachers meeting young children where they are (by stage of development), both as individuals and as part of a group; and helping each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals.
MISSION
The mission of the Missouri State University Child Development Center is to provide a learning laboratory for students to observe young children and to participate in a high quality developmentally appropriate early childhood program for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Center experience allows students to link educational theory with practice. The Center includes a high quality program for children of university students, faculty and staff, and the community, research opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
PHILOSOPHY
The program at the Center is designed to nurture and support each child’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual and language development. Each child’s growth and development is enriched through developmentally appropriate experiences. The Center’s daily schedule provides children with opportunities to explore the environment, self-select activities, practice language, develop problem-solving skills, discover appropriate interactions with peers and adults, and acquire concepts through hands-on experiences. The program provides experiences which foster a positive self-concept and high self-esteem.
CENTER OBJECTIVES
- to serve as an optimal practicum and research site for the campus community
- to serve as an advocate for children and families
- to provide a comprehensive developmentally appropriate program for young children
- to provide a safe and nurturing environment
- to serve as a leader in the field of early childhood education
- to serve as a model for the community
- provide information for parents about parenting practices and the results of research that provides direction for childrearing
GOALS FOR CHILDREN
- provide a learning environment that fosters positive social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development
- represent ideas and feelings through play
- construct knowledge of the physical world, manipulate objects and understand cause and effect
- use language to communicate effectively and to facilitate thinking and learning
- develop trusting relationships with adults and peers
- develop a positive self-concept and attitude toward learning, self-control and a sense of belonging
- become competent in managing their bodies and acquire basic physical skills, both gross and fine motor
- respect and accept social and cultural diversity
The objectives for the Center and goals for the children are based on current learning and child and family development theories. Infants, toddlers and preschool children learn through play. Children grow and develop when a supportive environment encourages them to discover and express their natural curiosity. A large variety of developmentally appropriate equipment is available for children to acquire and practice developmental skills.
CHILDCARE GOALS
Missouri State University Child Development Center encourages and supports the development of each child as an individual and provides opportunities for self-exploration and discovery. It is a goal to provide experiences to stimulate the child’s creative abilities.
Our goal is to meet the developmental (cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual) needs of each child. By learning the individual needs of each child, we can plan for successful fulfillment of those needs.
The social/emotional development is of prime importance and is a priority over all other aspects of the program. Each child is a member of a family. Therefore, it is important to work with the family in creating the best possible environment for the child.
The staff at Missouri State University Child Development Center is concerned with the total and unique growth and development of each child by promoting:
- Cognitive Development
Learning to solve problems and form concepts
Developing language and communication skills
Discovering and exploring the near environment
- Social-emotional Development
Developing self-esteem and personal adjustment skills
Achieving self-confidence in relationships
Developing a sense of responsibility and persistence in completing task
- Physical Development
Developing hand and body coordination
Learning physical skills
Learning good health habits
- Creative development
Expressing ideas through creative skills
Expressing self through creative medium
Developing the ability to think and act in different and unique ways
STAFF
The professional staff of teachers assesses the children’s abilities and needs and plan quality programs that meet those abilities and needs. In each of the classrooms there are two professional staff responsible for children, one Teacher and one Assistant Teacher. Each Teacher is required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field. It is preferred that each Assistant Teacher have at least 60 hours in Child Development or a CDA credential. Each floor (both Infant/Toddler and Preschool) has a Lead Teacher, required to have completed a Master’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field. In addition to classroom responsibilities, the Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining the staffing schedule, is a supervisor on his/her floor, and assists in hiring of part-time workers. Part-time student workers are employed to help maintain ratio, help keep the center clean, and assist staff as needed. Faculty, staff, and university students’ work together to provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
LICENSE
The Missouri State University Child Development Center is licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. A copy of the Licensing rules for Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers in Missouri is available in the Director’s office, as well as posted in the foyer on the parent communication board.
MISSOURIACCREDITATION
Missouri Accreditationof Programs for Children and Youth (MoA) provides quality standards for programs serving infants/toddlers, two to six year-olds, and school age children used in accrediting both public and private programs. MoA serves as a guide to parents who want to choose the best possible care and education for their children. MoA recognizes programs that are striving for excellence. The Missouri State University Child Development Center has been accredited since1991. Reaccreditations occur at 5 year intervals.
DESCRIPTION OF CURRICULUM
Each classroom presents a developmentally appropriate curriculum. A developmentally appropriate approach to curriculum is dependent on the child’s developmental status, is responsible to the individual’s strengths, interests and needs, and provides experiences which are meaningful, relevant, and respectful of the social and cultural context in which children live. The curriculum addresses the areas of development which includes cognitive, physical, language, social, and emotional. The curriculum provides children with the opportunities to explore the environment, self-select activities, practice language, develop problem-solving skills, and acquire concepts through hands-on experiences.
CHILDREN’SATTENDANCE
University students are observing and studying the growth of the children enrolled. Regular attendance benefits both the child and the college students assigned to the Center. It is imperative the children attend regularly. Students are fulfilling course requirements which involve learning experiences with the children. If your child is not in the Center the university student is unable to fulfill their course requirements which can impact their semester grade.
It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the lab when the child is absent, the reason, and the duration of the absence.
NO REFUNDS OR REDUCTIONS IN FEES ARE MADE IN CASE OF ABSENCES.
DELIVERYANDPICKUPOFCHILDREN
In cases where the parents are divorced or legally separated the Center must be given a certified copy of the most recent court ordered custodial arrangements for the child. The parents are responsible for supplying this information. If family status changes this information needs to be shared with the teaching staff.
If someone other than the custodial parent(s) is to pick up the child the custodial parent giving permission must provide it in writing. The parents are responsible for notifying the staff if the child is to leave with someone other than the designated person(s).
If the staff feels the adult (parent or other authorized adult) picking up the child may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the staff may detain the child until another family member, another authorized person, campus police or University attorney or representative has been notified.
ARRIVAL
The child will be accompanied by an adult into the classroom and wait until a teacher acknowledges the arrival. It is very important the children arrive promptly. Your child will make a much better adjustment when he/she arrives at the same time as the other children. Information about the child will need to be transferred each day to the teachers so that your child’s needs can best be met.
DEPARTURE
It is essential the children be picked up no later than the scheduled closing time of the Center. The adult picking up the child is expected to come into the Center and check the child’s locker for notes at the time of dismissal. Be sure the teacher acknowledges the dismissal of the child before leaving the Center. Information about your child will be shared at this time so that you will be able to ask questions and communicate about anything further. It is essential that the children be picked up from the Center no later than 5:45pm. A late fee charge of $10.00 will be assessed for each 10 minutes past the scheduled 5:45 pm closing time.
Please observe the University parking regulations. It is illegal to park in handicapped spaces without the appropriate tags. The parking area is shared with other departments who serve a variety of clients. You will receive parking tickets if you fail to observe the regulations. Please also carefully supervise your child in the parking area at all times! Traffic is often heavy and small children are difficult for drivers to see.
MEALS
The Child Development Center provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. The Center provides a menu that meets the daily requirements set by licensing and is nutritious and healthy for young children. Breakfast is served at 8:30. Your child must be at the Center by 8:45 to have breakfast. We cannot save food for children arriving late as children are transitioning to the next activity.
OUTSIDE FOOD POLICY
MSU CDC has recently had our food policies reviewed for compliance by the Child and Adult Care Food Program. In addition, we are improving our menus and center policies to meet Eat Smart Guidelines in order to become an Advanced Eat Smart Child Care Center. In the past year, several policies have changed to meet certain standards and guidelines for the health and safety of children in child care facilities. These policies were developed to help child care facilities provide sound nutrition to young children to help fight obesity and life-threatening diseases that can result from poor nutrition. Other concerns for the development of policies dealt with numerous and increased food allergies among multiple children in child care facilities, that can be life-threatening at times, and meal plans that have to be adapted accordingly. In addition, child care facilities are inspected by sanitation and must meet certain health codes in food preparation, and foods brought in from the outside, even though may be store purchased, may not necessarily be handled properly and could possibly cause harm to a child if eaten.
Because of these concerns and guidelines, and since MSU CDC receives reimbursement of approximately half of our total food costs each month from the government, which is a considerable amount of money off our monthly food bill, we are required to follow these policies and regulations.
MSU CDC policy regarding outside foods brought into the facility for classrooms of children to eat has been revised as follows:
- At no time may any food items be brought into the MSU CDC from outside sources for children in a classroom to eat. This policy includes all parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators. The exception to this policy is that staff may bring in their own food to eat themselves while on break, away from the children, and/or for potluck among staff members only.
- Children may not eat something different than what is served at MSU CDC unless directed by a physician such as in cases of allergies to certain foods. In these instances, appropriate food substitutions are to be documented on food substitution form, signed by the appropriate physician. This form will be kept on file at the center.
- Emphasis at parties, holidays, and other celebrations will be on participation in fun games and activities instead of focusing merely on food that is served. The regular snack or meal may be served during these times.
- Birthday Celebrations – To be held monthly in the classrooms, recognizing and celebrating with children with birthdays for that month with his/her classmates. At that time, parents of those children may provide non-edible items, activities for the party, crafts, treat bags with non-edible items (no candy), etc.
Special Child Recognition on Each Child’s Birthday– It is part of our culture and traditions to recognize and celebrate with a child for his/her special day on his/her birthday, and MSU CDC believes each child is special and should celebrate and be recognized on his/her birthday. Ways parents may recognize their children while at MSU CDC on his/her special day include: A special birthday ribbon, shirt, or birthday crown to wear during the day; special lunch with parent (parents/guardians may bring in a special lunch for their children and eat together in the foyer or conference room upstairs in Preschool 2); balloons or flowers sent to MSU CDC for the child; a treat bag of non-edible items for each child; reading a book to the class and giving this book to the classroom library in recognition of the child; craft activity arranged with teacher to do with the children; plus - participating in the monthly birthday party.
- Holiday Celebrations – MSU CDC will host various holiday celebrations throughout the year. These celebrations will be coordinated through each classroom teacher. Parents/guardians are invited to attend, and may bring non-edible items for children as part of the party. MSU CDC will serve snacks based upon our nutritional guidelines.
- Special Celebrations (i.e., Chinese New Year) – MSU CDC will work with teachers to provide special foods to learn about different cultures as per their lesson plans. Teachers will work cooperatively with administrative staff to plan these special snacks or meals. At times, parents/guardians may be asked to contribute to an in-class field trip/special experience as applicable.
- Ideas for Non-edible and Safe Party Favors and Activities (must not pose a choking hazard for young children):
BubblesRelay RacesAge Appropriate Books