Human Development

Children's Program

MISSION / PROGRAM GOALS / CHILDREN'S PROGRAM / PROGRAM STAFF / FUNDING / PARENT INVOLVEMENT / APPLICATION/ DIRECTIONS

MISSION

The mission of the Connecticut College Children's Program is to provide, within a community context, a model child and family-focused early childhood program for infants and young children of diverse backgrounds and abilities in Southeastern Connecticut. This child study and development setting is central to the College's academic curriculum through its provision of placements for College students and opportunities for student and faculty research.

PROGRAM GOALS

To provide a supportive and developmental early childhood program for young children of diverse backgrounds and abilities and their families

To provide undergraduate students the opportunity to enhance their academic skills, including research skills, through a preprofessional experience in an inclusive early childhood laboratory setting

To support community awareness and collaboration regarding the needs of young children of diverse backgrounds and their families

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

based on carefully designed inclusion model (range of cultures, ages, abilities)
emergent curriculum based on play as a way children learn
good adult/child ratio (including staff and college students)
enrollment of 110 children and families
children range in age from birth to age 6
small and large group options (small groups 6-8 children, larger groups 10-16 children)

PROGRAM STAFF

highly trained, experienced staff of 30
staff includes certified early childhood teachers, certified early childhood special education teachers, teacher aides, college students, therapists (occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech/language pathologist), parent coordinator, Head Start home visitors, administrators, secretary
staff participate in ongoing in-service, courses and conferences (as participants and presenters)

FUNDING

funded through private and public sources
funders include: Connecticut College, Department of Children and Families, Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation, local education agencies, parent-paid tuitions, and local foundations.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

parents are an integral part of program
observation booths are attached to each classroom
options of involvement include observation, open house, parent group, evening specialty classes (e.g. sign language)

APPLICATION

DIRECTIONS TO HOLMES HALL

Please note that Holmes Hall is NOT located on the main campus of Connecticut College.

From Hartford:

Take I 84 to Route 2 (New London). Follow signs to New London to the end of Route 11, follow connector Route 82 to Route 85 (New London) and Route I 95.

From Route I 95 North (New Haven, Old Lyme, East Lyme):

Take exit 83. At stop light at end of exit take a left. Go to top of hill to stop light. Turn right. You will drive past the main gate of the USCG Academy as you connect on to Route 32. Pass the USCG Academy (on your right), and take a right at the light at the end of the USCG Academy property - Deshon Street. The Children's Program is located on the corner of the second left hand turn half way down the hill - Nameaug Street. It is the large white building with playground equipment in the front.

From Route I 95 South (Providence, Mystic, Groton):

Cross Groton/New London Gold Star Bridge over the Thames River. Exit from far right hand lane at the end of the bridge - Exit 84. Stay in the center lane marked "Norwich." Pass the USCG Academy (on your right), and take a right at the light at the end of the USCG Academy property - Deshon Street. The Children's Program is located on the corner of the second left hand turn half way down the hill - Nameaug Street. It is the large white building with playground equipment in the front.

From Norwich:

Follow Route 32 South. Pass the light at the main gate of Connecticut College and move into left lane. Take a left at the next light, Deshon Street. The Children's Program is located on the corner of the second left hand turn half way down the hill - Nameaug Street. It is the large white building with playground equipment in the front.

For more information about the Children's Program contact Beatrice DeMitt or Sara Radlinski at (860) 439-2920.