WHAT IS THE AS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER?

The program is made up of teachers, students and parents working together to provide high-quality, affordable childcare to the student-parents and working professionals of Western Washington University. The program manager and early childhood specialists who administer this program have a total of 96 years experience in early childhood education.

The CDC offers 56 spaces for children ages 2-5. Based on their ability and interest, children are subdivided for activities designed to stimulate their development at their level of readiness and need. Each group has its own area and staff experienced in early childhood education and development. The staff plans a variety of classroom activities including art projects, field trips, story time, cooking experiences and more.

Breakfast is provided as is a full lunch and mid-afternoon snack. The food program meets U.S.D.A. Child and Adult Care Food Program standards and is based on a menu using whole grain and natural food products.

WHERE IS THE CENTER LOCATED?

Fairhaven College on East College Way, bottom of building 11 and 12 on Western's South campus.

WHEN DOES THE CENTER OPERATE?

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, during scheduled sessions of Western Washington University and some inter-sessions.

WHAT ARE THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE PROGRAM?

Under the guidance of staff, parents work as teacher assistants in the classroom with the children in their child's group. It is through parents and work-study students that the high adult-to-child ratios are maintained. These ratios, along with small group size, contribute greatly to the quality of care provided at the CDC.

Washington State Average			WWU AS Child Development Center
Group	Teacher: Child	Class Size	Group	Teacher: Child	Class Size
Age 3	1:10	20	Age 2	1:3	12
Age 4	1:10	24	Age 3	1:4	15
Age 5	1:15	32	Ages 4-5	1:5	15

*Education Week, Jan. 10th, 2002 edition "Quality Counts 2002: Building Blocks for Success"

MISSION & GOALS

Student-parents and professionals of the WWU campus community face multiple challenges in meeting the needs of both work and family. The Associated Students Child Development Center seeks to support the campus community in providing for the social, intellectual and physical needs of their children, enabling students and staff to achieve academic and professional success.

• Provide quality childcare available on a sliding fee scale in a safe, high-quality and healthy environment.
• Provide parents the opportunity to participate in the daily care of their children.
• Support the total growth of children: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
• Build a sense of community among all participants in the program, provide family support and become an advocate for quality childcare.
• Offer opportunities for volunteerism and student practicum in a variety of academic disciplines.

SPECIAL EXTRA ACTIVITIES

• Field trips into the community
• Guests from the community
• Weekly swimming at Western's pool
• Weekly use of Western's Gym
• Access to Western's Science Labs
• Access to Sehome Arboretum
• Access to the Outback Gardens

RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTER

Please see our resources list.

LICENSING

The center is a certified program meeting State Minimum Day Care Licensing Requirements and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which is recognition for high quality early childhood program.

CURRENT EVENTS