The Center for Young Children and Families

The PreK/Kindergarten program of the Center for Young Children and Families is a  full day program, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,  five days a week.  Each day the children are given many opportunities to see how language, reading, and writing are all parts of communication.  Children engage daily in activities focusing on language and literacy through meaningful experiences such as listening to and reading stories and poems, experimenting with reading and writing and participating in dramatic play.  If weather and outdoor conditions permit, we will be outside twice a day.

Children are encouraged to problem solve with math concepts, to ask questions, and to be involved with scientific inquiry and discovery.  The curriculum involves interaction with real objects while seeking solutions to concrete problems in math and science.  The PreK/Kindergarten focuses on social skills to enable the children to address interpersonal problems, learn to cooperate, understand another person’s point of view, and help and negotiate with other children and adults.  Children also have opportunities to learn about the Plymouth community and the wider world through social studies explorations and through the Project Approach to learning.

Learning is integrated with appropriate participatory developmental activities that include, but are not limited to, music, art, cooperative games, cooking, blocks, and sensory exploration.  Routines are followed, enabling children to enjoy learning in a positive self-concept.  As in all of the Center programs, health and safety are priorities.   Families provide children with two snack and lunch each day.  Milk for snacks and lunch are is provided by the Center.   Please note that the Center is a nut-free environment. Children are involved in cooking activities on frequent occasions, to learn about nutrition firsthand.

The Plymouth State University campus is rich in resources for the PreK/Kindergarten program.  The children have many opportunities to participate on campus in music, art, and physical education activities.  The children also go on frequent visits to the campus and local public libraries.  Teachers work closely with parents to share learning activities and involve them in the PreK/Kindergarten environment.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Children may come before 8 a.m. and stay

later than 2:30 p.m. Rates apply for up to a 9-hour day.

Ages: 4.8 years – 4.10 (as of 8/31)

5 years and older  (as of 9/30)

Group Size: Up to 18 children

Ratio: 1 adult to 6 children                                            2010-2011

Note:  Only children who are age eligible for Kindergarten (5 years as of 9/30) will be recommended for 1^st grade after leaving our program.