Purpose

The purpose of Shenandoah University Child Care Center is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children whose parents (or legal guardians) are employed, enrolled as a student, or who are alumni of Shenandoah University. We fill the remaining spots with children of the general public.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Center is that the well-rounded child develops through a variety of experiences and stimuli. With this philosophy in mind, the individual will be encouraged to participate in teacher-initiated activities, as well as self-initiated activities, that are conducive to their achieving a well-rounded experience. Most importantly, we feel it is essential that each child develops a positive self-concept, feels loved, secure, and safe while in our care.

Program Goals

• To help the individual child develop a positive self-concept, learn to accept others, and feel loved, safe and secure.
• To stimulate the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development of the individual child in order to fulfill their needs.
• To help each child learn to express himself / herself in a variety of ways including: being helpful, curious, imaginative, creative, and independent.
• To help the individual child become responsible, eager to learn, and enjoy to play.
• To offer parents additional opportunities to enhance their understanding of child development.
• To support and promote quality early childhood education environments at the community level, by interacting with other centers and professionals.
• To involve various university departments with our program.

Admissions

Our program offers a warm, exciting, and friendly atmosphere at all times. It includes age-appropriate activities instructed by an adequately trained and educated staff. Each classroom involves the individual child in a variety of planned activities necessary for the overall growth.

Program experiences include specific tactics in the development of social skills, sensory motor skills, language skills, as well as involvement in and appreciation of music, arts, and crafts. The children’s schedule also includes ample time for rest and nourishment with a variety of opportunities for expending energy and quiet times.

To inquire about enrolling a child in the program or arrange for a visit you must contact the director in order to set an appointment. Tours will be given prior to admission. In order for a child’s admission to become final, proper health forms and enrollment information must be completed and signed. A valid school entrance health form, including shot records, must be completed and signed by a doctor before a child may attend our center. (Each time a child receives a well check up or vaccinations, we must get updated information completed on a new school entrance form.)

Shenandoah University Child Care Center reserves the right to dismiss a child from enrollment in cases of insufficient funds for tuition payment, lack of following center policies, when inappropriate behavior becomes a major disruption or any other unacceptable situation decided by the administration. Two weeks notice will be given unless the problem requires immediate dismissal.

Ratios

Shenandoah University Child Care Center maintains the following staff-to-child ratios at all times in our classrooms:

Teacher to child ratio:

• 6 weeks to 15 months: 1:4
• 16 months to 23 months: 1:5
• 2 years old: 1:8
• 3 years old: 1:10
• 4 years old/Kindergarten: 1:10

Operating Hours

The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. year round, (with the exception of holidays and other announced closings). Our program provides services for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. We are licensed by the state of Virginia.  

General Schedule

(May vary, see posted schedule in your child’s classroom)

 7:00 – 7:30 Various activities such as: free play, drawing and learning centers

7:30 – 8:30 Clean up, bathroom and hand washing, breakfast

8:30 – 9:00 Free play / learning centers

9:00 – 11:30 Classroom learning activities, outside time

11:30 – 12:30 Bathroom break/hand washing, lunch, prepare for nap

12:30 – 2:30 Nap

2:30 – 3:30 Bathroom break, afternoon snack

3:30 – 5:45 Outside time, free play and learning centers

**Infants follow individualized schedules with developmental experiences during wake hours. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact us (540) 665-0991.