USCA Children's Center

 
 

Background Information
Goal and Philosophy
Curriculum
Hours of Operation and Cost
Staff

The Children's Center is a part of the University of South Carolina Aiken, having access to all University resources and services. The Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and is licensed by the South Carolina Departent of Social Services which is operated under applicable federal, state and local laws. The Children's Center is a provider for the ABC Child Care Voucher System. It was developed for the dual purpose of providing quality childcare for faculty, staff, students, and the community while serving as a laboratory setting to be utilized by the University. The Children's Center provides University students the opportunity to observe multiple ages of young children, as well as to apply specific skills they are learning in the educational programs.

The Center is housed in a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for USC Aiken's purposes The quality, design, and size of the building far exceed minimal state licensing standards. Parents have easy accessibility to their children and are assured of the highest quality care.

The goal of the Center is to provide a nurturing, safe environment, which supports each child's development to his/her potential in all areas of growth and learning. The program revolves around the philosophy that children learn best through active participation with their environment.  Learning is based on concrete experiences within a play-centered atmosphere. Continuous communication with parents is vital and their participation in center programs is encouraged.

Classrooms are organized around the Creative Curriculum concept. Individual, as well as large and small group activities are planned within each day's schedule. Activities follow sound early childhood principles and meet the development needs of differing children, All children are encouraged  to make choices and become responsible for themselves.

The Preschool II classroom has three and four year old children.  The needs and interests of the children in the classroom provide the context for planning individual, small group and large group activities. 

Preschool I classroom has two and three year old children.

The Infant/Toddler classroom has children ages six weeks to two years. Individual care is provided in an appropriate environment.

All classrooms include one Lead Teacher with an assistant.

The administrative structure of the Children's Center includes an Executive Director who has a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and an Assistant Director who oversees the daily operations of the program.  Teachers in the Infant/Toddler and Preschool Classrooms have training and experience in early childhood education. All members of the teaching staff are engaged in ongoing professional  development activities.  Students from USCA also serve as Teaching Assistants in the classrooms.