Daily Schedule & Programs

The careful planning of our well-equipped child care facility invites the interaction of the children with their surroundings. Here they can experience the sensory, motor, perceptual and language skills through hands-on activities, dramatic play, art, science / discovery, and music. Each child’s inner world begins to unfold as they are provided with ample opportunities to explore their environment, to satisfy their curiosity, and to develop their creativity. See daily child care activities, below, for more information on free play, circle time, group work sessions, music, arts and crafts, science and outdoor play.

Child Development and Day Care

Infant
Throughout the first year of life infants develop significantly, from dependent newborn to active one year old. Our infant program is comprised of two classrooms. Children are assigned to the appropriate classroom based on age and development. Each classroom provides age appropriate activities and individualized warm and loving care for the children. The ratio of staff to infants is 1:3 or 1:4.

Toddler
Toddlers are organized into three classrooms, based on age and development. As the children advance through the toddler classrooms, they are provided progressive hands-on structured activities and opportunities to develop independence and social skills while in a safe, nurturing environment. The ratio of staff to toddlers is 1:5 or 1:6.

Preschool
The preschool program is a large, multi-aged classroom of children ages 3-5 years. This large classroom is divided into activity and learning areas so the children can be assigned to groups where teachers can provide appropriate learning and play activities. Lessons relating to math, language arts, science, and social studies are provided daily. In addition to the academic element are music, art, large muscle activities, and free play opportunities. All activities in the preschool program support the development of necessary social skills. The ratio of staff to preschool children is 1:10.

Back to Top

Daily Child Care Activities

Each day is composed of multiple activities with the goal of helping children explore and experience the world around them and participate in age appropriate educational and development activities. Each classroom develops a weekly lesson plan that follows Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.

Free Play
Children may choose to use puzzles, blocks to build, trucks, play dough, painting, housekeeping, coloring and drawing, or individual games with teacher. Infants and young toddlers have supervised opportunities for “tummy time” or to crawl and explore their surroundings.

Circle Time
This is a time for interaction between teacher and child. It involves instructions for the day, roll call, saluting the flag, calendar and weather, listening to the children’s comments concerning their feelings and experiences, and readiness in alphabet and numbers.

Group Work Session
Students listen to the instructions for the projects scheduled whether art projects, worksheets or other projects. Much praise and positive reinforcement, or direction if needed, are given to the child. The teachers for each group are permitted the freedom and flexibility to respond to children’s needs.

Music
Children are encouraged to listen to music, play signing games, keep time to music, and use simple rhythmic instruments, which helps develop and encourage creative body movements, dance, and singing abilities.

Arts & Crafts
Art is a very important part of a child’s experience and ability to express oneself. Children are encouraged to use crayons, magic markers, paste, clue, paints, scissors, and recycled articles for creating art. They are taught to explore the world via activities that stress muscular control and hand-eye coordination.

Science
VCDC’s science center is filled with the tools to conduct guided experiments, to explore the natural world, and more.

Outdoor Activities
Outdoor play is an important part of the VCDC program year-round. VCDC’s spacious, park-like grounds offer ample space for time outdoors. Children are outdoors every day, often more than once per day, as long as the temperature is above 25 degrees and precipitation is minimal. We believe children need fresh air. Further, we have seen a decrease in illness as a result of increased outdoor time. Most importantly, children need time to experience the activities that allow them to explore their world. They need to develop gross motor skills like balance and coordination that are gained through physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and riding toys. 

Back to Top