Child Development Center

Created by Sergey Korsakov on 01/28/2013 // Last Update by Sergey Korsakov on 01/28/13

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Topics: AU Campus, Children's Issues

In 1978, the Student Confederation began funding a day care program for students to use while they were on campus. Over time, the CDC expanded its services to include children of AU faculty and staff. Today the CDC enrolls thirty children in an engaging pre-school program that uses play to teach reading, science, art, social skills, and music.

Enrollment Enrollment is based on availability of space and affiliation with AU. Children may enroll as early as 2 ½ years old until they are age 6 or are old enough to start kindergarten. Please visit their website: http://www.american.edu/hr/CDC/index.cfm

Daily Schedule A consistent daily routine provides the framework for a natural, familiar environment where the children can learn and play. Lunch at midday, snacks in the morning and afternoon, and a two hour nap in the early afternoon ensures that the children’s physical needs for nutrition and rest are met. Time for cleaning up is set aside after activities to teach responsibility. During designated times of outdoor play or indoor time ensure exposure to activities designed to develop numerous social and intellectual skills.

 

Child Development Various activities throughout the day encourage children to learn pro-social skills and develop intellectual curiosity. Play is a main tool in the teaching strategy at the CDC as children are encouraged to explore activities that appeal to their interests. The main activities include playing with blocks, reading books, making art and music, exploring sand and water, playing with table activities to develop fine motor skills, investigating scientific experiments, and outdoor play. Older children are provided opportunities to explore carpentry and writing to further develop fine motor skills and literacy. Throughout the year’s curriculum, children also explore different themes in socio-dramatic play such as dressing up to imitate adults cooking, running a house, or working in an office.  The activities encourage children’s natural enjoyment of using their imaginations to learn and explore social roles.

 
Children in the program are separated by age into groups of those ages two through four, and children 3 ½ to five years old. Each age group is assigned a Lead Teacher who follows the children's progress and can provide updates to parents.

 CDC’s Service to AU Students The CDC's participates in Federal Work-study, thus creating jobs and enabling students to work on campus. The center also provides internship opportunities to students studying education and psychology. These interns work with CDC staff members to complete projects and assist with the daily operations of the center.

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