White Plains Children's Center

About Us

Mission
To provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children with special and typical needs can grow and learn together in acceptance of one another.
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History
White Plains Children's Center was founded in 1982 as part of the outreach ministry of White Plains United Methodist Church, Cary, NC. The founders recognized a need in the Cary community for quality child care, and particularly a need for care for children with special needs. Several of the founders were long-time educators in Wake County. These educators were truly ahead of the times in recognizing that young children with developmental delays, or at-risk for developmental delays, would have a greater chance for success in public school if their special needs were cared for at a very early age. These insightful founders realized that children with special needs could make tremendous strides in development by playing with children who are developing typically.

After many months of planning, White Plains Children's Center was born as an inclusive developmental day center. As an inclusive center, both populations are included in the same classroom; each gaining from the other.

Although WPCC started small when the doors opened, both populations have steadily grown. Today about one-third of our children have special needs and two-thirds are developing typically.

Since 1982, WPCC has continued to grow in service to Cary and the surrounding communities. WPCC has partnerships with Wake County Public Schools to provide early intervention for children 3 to 5 of age years.

While our program has grown, we continue to set goals, hire professionals, design programs and nurture children and families to achieve the mission set forth by the founders 22 years ago. We continue to believe this mission provides the basis for our future.

Please read on to discover more about our Programs at WPCC.
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Programs

Center Based Program
Philosophy: The philosophy behind the program at White Plains Children’s Center is based on a belief that children with typical and special needs profit from interactions with each other in an environment that stresses acceptance of individual differences in backgrounds and ability levels. 

For the children with special needs, inclusion facilitates their developmental progress by exposing them to a varied and complex environment. By enabling them to remain within their own community, they are better prepared for the real world and greatly benefit from the modeling of their peers for social and communication skills. Please see Application Process for details on enrolling your special needs child at WPCC.

For the children developing typically, there is the opportunity to learn about the differences between people and to develop attitudes of acceptance towards others. They are able to see their own strengths and needs, and the children with special needs provide role models for overcoming limitations and development of successful coping skills. Please see Application Process for details on enrolling your typically developing child at WPCC.

It is our hope that our early intervention will enable our children with special needs to enter more typical settings when they leave us, and that our children who are developing typically will continue to act on the values to which they have been exposed at White Plains Children’s Center.

The philosophy embraces key practices that include:

• the belief that play is a child’s work
• a curriculum which focuses on the process of learning versus the product
• activities planned with the child’s needs in minds, respecting individual styles and designed to ensure success
• schedules offering flexibility, smooth transitions and minimal interruptions in a child’s a play
• an environment where a child is encouraged to make choices about activities and materials
• the teaching of self control through guidance instead of punishment

We have four full-time classes, serving children 12 months to 5 years. We also have one part-time class, serving 2 year olds. At capacity, we serve 61 children.

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Licensure and Accreditation
White Plains Children's Center (WPCC) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We currently have a 5 star license from the NC Division of Child Development. These accreditations guarantee that your child will be provided with a healthy and safe environment. We have achieved such an environment through our qualified staff, low teacher-to-child ratios, age-appropriate activities and competent administration.
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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 may be asked to complete an Income Eligibility Form each year.

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, PEANUTS, OR FOODS CONTAINING PEANUTS, 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.

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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 conducting 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.

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Classrooms Descriptions
Yearling Class -   
Ten children, twelve to twenty-four months of age, three teachers. 

Teachers for Yearlings:

Lead Teacher (Yearlings) - Eleanor Nsubuga
Eleanor Nsubuga, graduated from Wake Tech Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She also holds an Associate Degree in Elementary Education from Uganda and has 11 years teaching experience in Elementary Education in Uganda and Kenya. Eleanor began her experience at WPCC in the Bear and Chipmunk classrooms as an Assistant Teacher. Since then she has moved into the Yearling classroom as the Lead Teacher. Eleanor has been part of our teaching staff since 1988. Eleanor has 18+ years of experience. In her spare time, Eleanor loves to engage in international affairs, reading, and travel.

Lead Teacher (Yearlings) - Sue Farmer
Sue Farmer graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors Degree in Child Development and Family Relations. Sue has 29+ years of experience working with children. In her spare time, she loves to read, and play the piano and harp.

Teacher (Yearlings) - Ann Aycock
Ann Aycock, graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School. She has earned her Early Childhood Certificate from Wake Technical College. Ann worked in a Home Day Care for 14 years prior to WPCC. In 1992 Ann began volunteering and substituting at WPCC. Since then she has moved to become a Teacher. Ann has been part of our teaching staff since 1993. She semi-retired in 2006 but continues with us part-time. Outside of work Ann enjoys relaxing at home.

Teacher (Yearlings) - Wanda Hudson
Wanda Hudson graduated from Vilnius Pedagogical School, and Montessori Method Teaching Center Vilnius, Lithuania with a Bachelors Degree in Pre-School Education and Early Childhood Credential for Montessori Programs. She has 10+ years of experience in the field of early childhood education. Her hobbies include reading, sports, travel, and quiet time with herself, writing poetry, and working with children and advocating for them.

Bunny Class -  
Twelve children, two to three years of age, three teachers.

Teachers for Bunnies:

Lead Teacher (Bunnies) - Chrissie Wills
Chrissie Wills graduated from Wake Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Human Services and North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. She has 7+ years of experience in the early childhood profession. In her spare time, Chrissie enjoys spending time with and caring for her husband and dogs, reading, and listening to music.

Teacher Assistant (Bunnies)-Amanda Boykin
Amanda Boykin is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from Cary High School and attended Wake Technical Community College where she earned the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. She has been in the early childhood profession for 3+ years, and has been with WPCC since 2003. In her spare time, she loves to take care of her new son Bradley.

Teacher Assistant (Bunnies) - Tasia McDonald
Tasia McDonald is a graduate of Cary High School and a student a Wake Technical Community where she earned her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Tasia has been in the childcare profession for 4+ years. Like her best friend Maria, she also enjoys babysitting, scrap booking, and shopping.

Bear Class -  
Fifteen children, three to five years of age, three teachers. 

Teachers for Bears:

Lead Teacher (Bears) - Ciji Richardson
Ciji Richardson graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Birth-kindergarten Education. She also holds a North Carolina Teaching License. Ciji loves to watch movies, read, and spend time with her husband Donnovan and dog Dusty.

Teacher (Bears) - Jamie Richardson
Jamie Richardson graduated from Wake Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood. She has been with WPCC since 2002.

Teacher Assistant (Bears) - Maria Paniagua
Maria Paniagua is a graduate of Cary High School, and a student at Wake Technical Community College where she earned her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Maria has been in the early childhood profession for 4 years. Her hobbies include babysitting, scrap booking, art, and shopping.

Teacher Assistant (Bears) - Jeremy Randall
Jeremy Randall is a graduate of Cary High School, and is currently a student at Wake Technical Community College where he received the NC Early Childhood Credential. Jeremy is also pursuing a degree in Architect, and Early Childhood Education. He has bee n with WPCC since 2004.

Chipmunk Class -  
Sixteen children, three to five years of age, three teachers.

Teachers for Chipmunks:

Lead Teacher (Chipmunks)-Alana Liles
Alana Liles graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelors Degree in Child Development and B-K Certification. She also holds a North Carolina Teaching License with Birth-Kindergarten Certification, and Infant Toddler Certification. Alana has been teaching for 2 years. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, reading, pets, scrap booking, and photography.

Teacher (Chipmunks) - Jason Heidecker
Jason Heidecker graduated from Westfield State College with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, with a Minor in Psychology. He also has the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. Jason enjoys working with children, hiking, camping, volleyball and reading.

Teacher Assistant (Chipmunks) - Eunice Peraza
Eunice Peraza graduated from Benemerito delas Americas in Mexico, with a Bachelors Degree in Education. She has many years of experience in the field of early childhood education. In her spare time she loves to read, swim, fish, as well as participate in photography, genealogy and dancing.

Cub Class - Part-time preschool class  
Eight children, two years of age, two part-time teachers.

Teachers for Cubs:

Lead Teacher (Cubs) - Terri Pratt
Terri Pratt graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors Degree in English. Since graduation she has taken graduate courses in Special Education. Before joining WPCC in 2001, Terri taught at Mount Pleasant Preschool in West Virginia for 4 years. She also taught children with special needs in Virginia for 6 years. Terri has 18+ years of experience in early childhood education. Terri has a passion for teaching young children, and in her spare time she enjoys crocheting, quilting, arts and crafts.

Teacher (Cubs) - Kate Teitelbaum
Kate Teitelbaum graduated from Randolph Macon Woman's College and the University of NC at Ashville with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Elementary Education, and Spanish. Kate also holds a NC Teaching License. Kate has 13+ years of experience teaching children. She has a passion for working with children with special needs. Her hobbies include exercising, gardening, cooking spending time with family, swimming and organizing.

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Training and Continuing Education
Professional Development Plans are developed for each staff member to set goals and objectives for individual professional growth. Staff members are motivated to increase their knowledge and skills to be better prepared as teachers and leaders. Professional Development Week is a week where all staff attends workshops and trainings to obtain and keep current the appropriate practices and licensure for each position. Trainings must cover any of the following topics:

1. Planning a safe, healthy, learning environment
2. Steps to advance children's physical and intellectual development
3. Positive ways to support children's social and emotional development
4. Maintaining commitment to professionalism
5. Principles of child growth and development
6. Learning activities that promote inclusion of children with special needs
7. CPR and First Aid

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Staff

Executive Director - Terri Fowler - director@wpcckids.org
Terri Fowler graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education and received her Master’s degree in B-K from UNC-Greensboro.  She worked previously with WPCC from 2000-2003 before taking a few years off to be home with her children.  In addition to spending time with her family, Terri enjoys traveling, reading, college football, camping and being outdoors.  

Program Coordinator - Tiffany Harris - program@wpcckids.org
Tiffany Harris graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelors Degree in Family Relations and Child Development. She has 10 years experience in the childcare profession as a Teacher, Administrator, and Quality Enhancement Specialist. She thoroughly enjoys working with children and truly believes where there is great love for children there are always miracles. Tiffany can be reached at 919.469.2217 ext 248.

Early Intervention Specialist - Cathy Frederick - center@wpcckids.org
Cathy Frederick has a Masters of Education from NC State University and Bachelors in psychology from the College of Charleston. She worked as a teacher at White Plains for five years before staying home for two years to care for a new baby. She returned to White Plains in 1998 as a part-time special education consultant/early interventionist. Cathy can be reached at 919.469.2217 ext 254.

Finance Administrator - Ann Carney - finance@wpcckids.org
Ann Carney graduated from Indiana University of Pennnslyvania with a BS in Business Administration in 1988. Ann has been with WPCC since January, 2005 and her financial background includes 5 years as a bank auditor, 5 years as a fiduciary tax preparer and 4 seasons as an individual tax preparer. Ann is married and has one daughter and two sons. In her spare time, she enjoys scrap booking.

Food Service Specialist - Carol Boykin
Carol Boykin graduated from Cary High School and prior to WPCC owned a consignment shop for 16 years. Carol began her experience at WPCC in the Bunnies classroom as an Assistant Teacher. Since then she has moved into the Kitchen. Carol has been part of our staff since 1999. Outside of work Carol enjoys swimming, gardening, reading, watching TV, and having others cook for her.

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WPCC Extras
WPCC offers many extras that other centers do not. We believe these extras are important to our children and are a valuable part of a quality program.

• Speech analysis for all children - as our speech therapist works with our special needs children, he/she is also assessing the speech development of each child in the class.
• Gym - we have access to a full-size gym located in our facility. On rainy or very cold or hot days we can still play and exercise. Because it is a full gym, we can use our playground voices and get that much-needed exercise!
• Together Time - each quarter our families come together for a potluck dinner. This has proven to be a wonderful way for parents to get to know each other and for children to see their parents at school.
• Dental Awareness - White Plains also provides the children’s with vital information in maintaining a healthy smile.  A local dentist comes to share beneficial habits that children can use to keep a bright and healthy smile.
• Eye exams - Good vision is important to your child’s education.  Prevent Blindness is a free service that is currently a collaboration with the Center for Disease Control that conducts eye screenings for children.  The significant benefit of photo screening is its ability to objectively screen for eye disorders during early childhood. The test takes less than one minute and is totally non-invasive to the child’s eyes.  The photographer tales a photograph of the children’s eyes while the children simply watch flashing lights move in a circle around the lens of the camera.  A report on the results will be sent here to White Plains and given to the parents.  White Plains will issue parental permission forms before the screenings are done.
• Class pictures - each class will be photographed in the spring
• Individual pictures - each child will have an individual photo taken in the fall. Parental choice for purchase. 
• Special summer activities - For the summer season the center is somewhat more relaxed in regards to curriculum. For example, there is a Splash, Movie, and Bike day.  There is also a Special Events day along with a day for cooking and crafts. The summer schedule runs from June thru August of each year.

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Tuition Rates for 2007-2008