UPC’s Children’s Center is open all year, and children stay together as a class for the entire school year (August through May.) The qualified, nurturing and experienced staff has a long average tenure of more than 10 years, and provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum. UPCC has been NAEYC accredited continually since 1987. In addition, the infant/toddler and preschool outdoor spaces have received recognition as a Nature Explore Certified Outdoor Classroom (https://certified.natureexplore.org/university-presbyterian-childrens-center/ and https://certified.natureexplore.org/university-presbyterian-childrens-centerlittle-explorers-yard/)
UPCC serves infants, toddlers and preschoolers (from 2 ½ months through age 5), Monday – Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with part-time and full-time care options. In the summer, there is an additional option on-site for SOIL: school-age outdoor investigational learning for children 5 – 8 years of age.
Every class features low teacher-child ratios and small group sizes, and uses nature-inspired infant/toddler and preschool playgrounds. Children also experience music, motor skills, Spanish and spiritual enrichment activities, and the Center often hosts special community visitors and events.
Specifically, the children’s spiritual formation is enhanced through:
- Themes emphasizing caring for and acceptance of others;
- Outdoor experiences to encourage the children’s awareness of and appreciation of the natural world.
- Prayers at snack time and lunch;
- The observation of some Christian celebrations as well as the cultural tradition of families represented in the classroom.
- Spiritual Enrichment for the preschool age groups; the bi-monthly time with the Pastor or Director of Children’s Spirituality includes singing, sharing of celebrations and joys, and faith-related stories drawn from the Judeo-Christian resources of the Bible emphasizing God’s love, followed by a brief prayer of thanksgiving.
