Child Development Center
Thurston High School Child Development Center
332 58th Street
Springfield, Oregon 97478
541.744.6478
STATE LICENSED
(Follows the Springfield School District calendar)
Now Enrolling
Preschool Program: 3 to 6 years (potty trained only)
Kindergarten Program: If attending Ridgeview & Thurston Elementary (am only) Kindergarten program, your child can be bussed to THS/CDC for the PM extended slot. Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided.
PROGRAM
The Thurston High School Child Development Center, located at 332 58th Street across from the high school, continues to be an outstanding facet of the THS program. The Child Development Center Preschool program accepts children between the ages of three years and six years. The center operates between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 pm., Monday through Friday, and follows the Springfield School District’s calendar. The THS Child Development Center is a state-licensed program meeting established health, fire, safety, and sanitation standards, and provides USDA approved breakfast, lunch, and snack. Full and part time care is available, including morning and afternoon preschool.
As part of the THS educational program, the center provides a lab site for high school students enrolled in the child development program, as well as a work experience site for high school students. The high school student has the opportunity to work and learn on a practical level, the principles taught in the child development classes. High school students work under the direct supervision of the professional staff in the child development center. Students enrich the program with their warmth and enthusiasm, and provide an excellent adult-child ratio, which insures individual attention for each child.
The center provides a written program of activities for each group of children according to their developmental ages, interests, and abilities. The program of activities must allow for change and flexibility and show evidence of the pre-planning.
The program of activities is planned to provide positive learning experiences appropriate to the individual developmental needs of young children, and allows for individual and group activities. It provides a balance of active and quiet activities daily, including indoor and outdoor experiences in which children can use their large and small muscles. Lots of time and opportunity for free choice activities is given, including: painting and other art experiences, play-dough and gak, games, dramatic play, music and movement, puppets, computer, books and story telling, etc.
The number of caregivers and group size shall be determined by the number and ages of the children in attendance. The center operates in accordance with licensing rules which say: children three years old to attending kindergarten age require one teacher for every ten children.
The child development center is fully licensed by the State of Oregon. The quality of the program is monitored not only by Thurston High School and the Springfield School District, but the State of Oregon just as with any other licensed Preschool/Childcare center.
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the center is to provide a warm and positive atmosphere for children. We provide the material and stimulation that will help children to feel good about themselves. We want to help children become self-directed and develop healthy patterns as they interact with others. Our philosophy is based on mutual respect, guidance and developmentally appropriate activities for children.
GUIDANCE
Children feel secure when there are well defined limits, routines and safe environment. They will receive well planned activities, consistency in head teachers, leader and policies followed by all people in the center. We encourage children to use verbal expression and problem solve. We model appropriate behavior, use positive encouragement and praise. We offer choices within limits and logical consequences to behavior. Children are not denied food as a consequence. Physical discipline is not part of our program.
MUTUAL RESPECT
We accept each other’s uniqueness and deal respectfully with those who are different from ourselves. Self esteem is developed through positive interaction for both children and high school students.
DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
Each child is unique in growth and development. Each area of growth is as important as the other; emotional, intellectual, physical and social. We look at the child’s total development. Children progress through different stages as they grow. Guidance techniques and learning activities are suited to each child’s state of development. Materials are chosen to fit each child’s interests and abilities. Combining children of different ages in the same classroom provides for a rich social environment and creates a variety of opportunities for interaction. For instance, a 5 year old who helps a 3 year old with an activity, strengthens his or her confidence and sense of belonging. Mixing ages allows children to progress and process learning more rapidly, reducing the feeling of inadequacy and competition. For more information or a tour of our facilities please contact:
DIANE AMUNDSON
DIRECTOR
541.744.6478
damundso@sps.lane.edu
Thurston High School Child Development Center