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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 72 children, in six
different classrooms, which we have named the Pink, Green, Yellow, Blue, Purple and Rainbow Rooms. 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
and 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 or equivalent experience in early childhood or a related field. Staff receive routine opportunities for
outside training and development.
Two permanent
teachers are assigned to each room. Aides often help in classrooms, but do not replace teachers. Retired teachers even come
back as subs to replace sick or vacationing staff!
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. In addition, each child has a mail bag for 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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