Student Special Services

Programs

The curriculum at the UCR Child Development Centers follows guidelines set by the California Department of Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. All of the Centers programs are accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

Teachers provide developmentally appropriate experiences in math, science, language, art, music, motor skills and social/emotional skills. They use a range of learning materials including books, puzzles, computers and art materials with regular access to outdoor play equipment. Teachers follow a daily schedule, prepare weekly lesson plans and conduct two parent-teacher conferences each year. Parents receive a written progress report at the end of each year.

The Centers provide breakfast, lunch and a morning and/or afternoon snack. The Centers’ active parent association meets regularly to plan family-oriented events and fundraisers. Students and researchers are welcome at the Centers, which were built with observation rooms, which are available to parents as well.

The Infant-Toddler programs incorporate the techniques and philosophy of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE). The strategies were developed by Magda Gerber and the foundations of the philosophy are:

1. Basic trust in the child to be an initiator, an explorer and a self learner.
2. An environment for the child that is physically safe, cognitively challenging and emotionally nurturing.
3. Time for uninterrupted play.
4. Freedom to explore and interact with other infants.
5. Involvement of the child in all core activities to allow the child to become an active participant rather than a passive recipient.
6. Sensitive observation of the child in order to understand his or her needs.
7. Consistency, clearly defined limits and expectations to develop self discipline.

Hours of Operation