Classrooms and Teachers
In an inclusive developmental day center, children who have special needs are included in the program along with children who are developing typically. White Plains Children Center serves 61 children from 1 to 5 years of age.
Child-centered teaching is the primary focus at WPCC. Activities are tailored to each child’s individual needs, allowing every child the opportunity to be challenged, regardless of his or her level of development. A child’s play is the tool for his/her learning and skills are taught in the context in which they are needed.
Classroom Environment
The classrooms are organized into centers or defined interest areas. Activities are planned for each center in which the children move freely throughout each day. The variety of learning centers include:
- Dramatic Play
- Blocks/Construction
- Sand/Water Play
- Science/Discovery
- Books/Language
- Manipulatives/Puzzles/Games
- Creative Art
- Music
Classroom Schedule
The schedule alternates active and quiet activities throughout the course of the day. Teachers are sensitive to the attention spans of young children and plan accordingly; making activities extensive enough to be challenging and fun, but short enough to avoid overwhelming a child. Each classroom has a schedule posted that lists approximate times of activities. Routine provides security, but flexibility is key in meeting the varying needs of young children as well.
Activity Plans
Teachers plan activities for the learning centers in the classrooms on a weekly basis according to a theme or unit idea. Teachers strive to be culturally aware and sensitive in their approach to planning. They plan concrete activities that can be modified to meet the needs of all children as well as provide challenges in skill development. A copy of the activity plans are always posted in the classroom.
Play Yard and Outdoor Use
Children have an opportunity to participate in outdoor play each day. Given the moderate climate indigenous to the area, children will use the playground twice daily.
WPCC has two play yard areas. The Cubs, Yearlings, and Bunnies have full access to a play yard built to specifications for children ages 12 months to three years. A play yard built to specifications for children ages three to six years is provided for the Bears and Chipmunks. Both play yards are routinely examined for safety hazards, and regular maintenance upkeep is provided. Weekly activities are planned for the following areas of skill development:
- Climbing and crawling
- Stretching and sliding
- Balancing and coordination
- Pulling and pushing
- Lifting and building
- Digging and pouring
- Running and jumping
- Pedaling and riding
Support and assistance are provided as needed in order for all children to fully participate in each outdoor activity.
Meals and Menus
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided daily. Weekly menus are posted on the Parent Bulletin Board outside the office and under Parent Info on this website. All meals are prepared in accordance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program/USDA Requirements for children ages twelve months to six years. WPCC receives reimbursement from the USDA for the meal program. As a result, parents are asked to complete an Income Eligibility Form upon enrollment.
The cook maintains a list of regulated food allowances and prepares meals according to the specific allowances. Any request concerning a significant change in a child’s diet must be discussed with the teacher and accompanied by a doctor’s note.
It has been the experience at WPCC that children will eventually try foods at school that they will not consume at home, simply because the other children are eating it. On occasion, alternatives may be sent from home.
Requests concerning food items may occasionally be made by the teacher to enhance or supplement an activity planned in the classroom.
DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS, NUTS, OR FOODS CONTAINING ANY TYPE OF NUTS, WILL NOT BE SERVED.
Rest Time
Each child is assigned a cot and cot sheet. It is requested that each child bring a light blanket, travel size pillow and a small sleep toy. Blankets are sent home for laundering on Fridays. Children rest between 1:00 and 3:00. Most children will nap, especially with the assistance of a back rub or gentle rocking. If a child is unable to fall asleep or has outgrown the need to nap, the Awake Group is available for them. Awake Group is staffed by two teachers and provides quiet activities and/or time outside.
Teachers
The Teachers and Staff at White Plains Children’s Center are experienced and highly qualified. Each lead teacher has a college degree and is certified in early childhood education, special education or related degree. All teachers attend various workshops to continue their education and to learn new techniques and methods for applying current best practices in an appropriate early childhood environment.
WPCC is committed to providing a quality program for children and families. One of the greatest indicators of a quality program is a low teacher/child ratio that is maintained throughout the day. At WPCC the following ratios are followed:
Yearlings
Ten children, twelve to twenty-four months of age, three teachers
Bunnies
Twelve children, two to three years of age, three teachers
Bears
Fifteen children, three to five years of age, three teachers
Chipmunks
Sixteen children, three to five years of age, three teachers
Cubs (Part-time Class)
Eight children, two years of age, two teachers
Lead Teachers supervise the classroom team. They create a stimulating and nurturing environment for the children by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, developing relationships with families, and ensuring that the philosophy and policies of WPCC are carried out daily.
Teachers assist the Lead Teacher with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities. They provide leadership to the classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher, plan afternoon activities, and supervise the afternoon staff to implement these activities.
Assistant Teachers assist the Lead Teacher and Teacher to implement daily routines and activities with the children.