About
Our Mission and Philosophy
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Mission
The mission of the Illinois State University Child Care Center is to provide high quality, developmental childcare services in a safe, nurturing, and diverse learning environment for preschool children of ISU students, faculty, and staff, ages 3-5. The Center serves as a working illustration of early childhood best practices by collaborating with families, the University, and community, all while utilizing the best current research and practice within the early childhood profession.
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Philosophy
The Center staff believe children are to be respected and treated with courtesy, dignity, patience, and compassion. While in our care, each child is nurtured physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Our well-educated Teachers regard early childhood experiences with the respect and commitment those experiences deserve. The staff work to share this attitude with parents, student workers, and practicum students.
Children learn most naturally and effectively when engaged in developmentally appropriate activities that are responsive to children's interests and experiences. The Center supports the efforts of parents, who are the child's first teacher, throughout the child's learning process.
Program Overview
The Center is partially funded and sponsored by the following Illinois State University entities:
- College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST)
- Student Fee Board
- Family and Consumer Sciences Department (FCS)
- Provost Office
The Center is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and has been rated as a Gold Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois. All staff are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.