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About the Center
Children's Center of Lexington is a nonprofit, early
care and educational program that puts children first.
We are NAEYC-accredited, open 12 months a year, and operate with full-day staffing and
excellent teacher-child ratios.
Comfortable classrooms provide opportunities for active exploration, games, quiet time,
and cuddling with a friend or attentive teacher.
Our spacious playground features state-of-the-art climbing and "pretend play" structures and functions year-round. Inside, the "Long Room" hosts a gymnastics
class, ride-on vehicles, ball play and other gross motor activities.
The Center, with its committed and caring staff,
offers a nurturing environment in which children can feel at ease, learn and develop -- at their own pace.
Educational Mission: Children's Center of Lexington strives to provide a nurturing, child-centered environment; promote the
development of a child's emotional, social, physical, creative and intellectual skills; and support and strengthen the
family's function as the main source of security and identity for the young child. Since the needs of each child
vary, goals are individually set. We seek to balance quiet and active, and group and individual activity throughout the day.
We provide opportunities for art, block work, dramatic play, cooking, painting, woodworking, puzzles, field trips, science
exploration, math and reading readiness, music, creative movement, and sand and water play.
Classes: The Center is licensed to accommodate 71 children,toddlers and preschoolers. We accept children as young as
15 months, up to pre-kindergarten. The staff to child ratio is 1:2.5 for toddlers and 1:5 or 1:7 for preschoolers/ pre-K.
Each classroom posts its own daily routine, but all provide opportunities for reading stories, group play, projects, exercise,
nutritious morning and afternoon snacks, lunch and nap time.
Teachers & Staff: Teachers are the heart of our program. We place a great value on their service and take pride in staff longevity
--some of the Center's teachers have hit their 10th and 25th anniversaries here! Both teachers and office staff are closely
involved with children all day, providing an atmosphere in which children can learn and grow, interacting with them and planning
daily activities and implementing routines. We
look for thoroughly trained, warm and understanding teachers, who have a degree (AA, BA, and Masters) or equivalent experience
in early childhood or a related field. Staff receive routine opportunities for outside training and development. All staff
are teacher certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Play:
CCL features a large, well-equipped playground, which is
in use throughout the year. In the summer, pools and hoses come out for refreshing dips, and in the winter, there's sledding
and other snow fun. When the weather won't cooperate, children tumble, run, play ball and bicycle in our Long Room, a recreation
room also used for gymnastics and performances.
Parent Involvement: We encourage parents to get involved in Center activities. You may visit your child’s classroom at any
time, or come in for one of the special events different classrooms stage, whether it’s a Valentine’s Day tea
or a pizza party. At the time of enrollment, the Director will meet with parents to discuss a child’s needs and interests.
Most daily communication is done through e-mail. Each child has a mail bag for additional messages and notes, which parents
are encouraged to check daily. Teachers hold formal conferences with parents twice a year, but are happy to get together for
more informal chats. We also invite parents to attend Board of Directors meetings or even participate on the Board.
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