|
|
PHILOSOPHY
The University Child Development Center exists to encourage and support each child to
grow to his fullest potential in all areas of development, thus creating a positive
self concept and a realistic opportunity for success in life. Teachers work with children
individually and in small and large groups, identifying their strengths and helping
children to identify positively with each of their individual differences.
An "extended family" concept has been adapted to provide a framework for the Center.
We feel this to be the most effective model, since the traditional extended family -
providing support, encouragement, and assistance to its members - has become practically
obsolete in today's society. For working parents and student parents, support,
encouragement and assistance are vital in helping to ensure personal and professional success.
For children, the extended family provides all the healthy components necessary for
successful development. The dynamics of the "family" and its interactions
perpetually serve to establish and/or reinforce the identity of self and of that self
within an ever changing, ever challenging world.
PROGRAM
The Center's curriculum reflects its philosophy. The teacher, acting as facilitator
and nurturer, designs and implements plans based on what she knows about early
childhood education and development and about the strengths each child has exhibited,
as well as their individual learning styles. Children interact with the professionals
and each other in respectful environments where all areas of children's "work" are represented.
These include art, block building, natural materials (sand, water, etc.) play, science,
language arts, math, dramatic play, computer activities, and manipulative and outdoor
play. Children explore the world around them by going for walks and going on field trips.
OUR STAFF
The Center is staffed with a Director, Business Manager, Administrative Assistant, Secretary,
thirteen Head Teachers, thirteen Associate Teachers, thirteen Assistant Teachers, and Student
Assistants. The Teachers have many years of experience as well as degrees in areas including Child
Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Social Work. Classroom staff meet
with parents formally twice each year to discuss each child's progress, and staff are available
daily to confer with parents on an informal basis.
SERVICES
The Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There are twelve classrooms accommodating children ranging in age from six weeks through
Kindergarten.
A nutritionally balanced meal program which, includes breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack and a
mid-morning snack (when warranted), is provided.
WAITING LIST
Parents can put a child on the Waiting List at any time by filling out an Enrollment Request
Card and paying a non-refundable application fee of $15.00. It is recommended that parents
put children on the Waiting List as soon as possible, even in anticipation of a need.
(Children not yet born or conceived are welcome on the list, as the wait could easily take two years or longer.) This program is for children of University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff and students.
To have an Enrollment Request card sent to you, feel free to contact the Center via
electronic mail (we'll need your name and address
including city, state and zip code) or call the Business Office at 412-383-2100.
Child Care for University Students- The University Child Development Center is available
to Pitt students at the undergraduate or graduate level who are enrolled on a full time and part
time basis (minimum of 6 credit hours), whose campus commitments are during the day. The waiting
list for enrollment at the Center is quite extensive given that University students, faculty and
staff all use the services of the Center. The wait for full time care in most cases easily exceeds
two years, which is why it is highly recommended to utilize part time care, where the wait
can be shortened by several months. Flexibility in the hours and days used may also help to shorten the wait.
PARENT FEES
The Center charges a monthly tuition for the program it provides. This tuition is based on a sliding
scale and the schedule each child needs, and is determined once parents enroll a child. A limited
amount of financial assistance is available. Parents who would like to be considered for this
assistance may request information from the Center's Business Manager.
For additional information, please feel free to contact us at (412) 383-2100.
You can also contact the University Child Development Center through
electronic mail.
The University Child Development Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, sex, handicap, age, or
national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to persons with
disabilities if requested.
|
|
|
|
|
|
