(As posted on the Kean Current)

The Kean Child Care and Development Center was established in the mid 1970’s to provide quality child care to the children of Kean University students.  Today the program continues to fulfill the mission providing care and education to the children of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public.

In conjunction with the department of Early Childhood and Family Studies in the College of Education, the Kean University Child Care and Development Center demonstrates best early childhood practice inspired by Reggio Emilia approach to education — inspired by schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Reggo Emilia has a view of teachers as researchers and partners with children in the learning process.  It also has a strong value for the respect of children’t time and rhythm in the daily life of schools.  Through long and short term projects, teachers; children, and parents become partners and researchers in the learning process. It alsohas the integration of the world outside into the school’s learning.

Kathleen Berkowitz, Director of the Childcare and Development Center, states, “The center is here! We respect young children.  We value what they learning and what they are thinking.”

The Child Care and Development Center has three class rooms and takes children from ages 2 1/2 to years old. They provide care, education and developmental opportunities for children. They also hire graduate assistants to work at the center.

The center also has big news about the coming Fall.  The center is now accepting applications for kindergarten.  Children mush be five years old by December 31, 2012.  The applications are open to students, faculty, and staff of Kean and to the public of the greater community.  The classes are tuition based.

“The children at the center represent their thoughts, through drawing, painting, sculpting clay, and other mediums.  The center would also like the Kean community to know organizations on campus can come to the center and help you with the children.” Berkowitz exclaims. “We even had the football team come and read to the children!”

For more information about the Kean Child Care and Development Center and the upcoming kindergarten enrollment, call 908-737-5300 or visit www.kean.edu/~kucc/

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