PCS CHILDCARE

      Providing on-site child care eliminates one of the barriers that too often prevent pregnant and parenting teens from finishing their education. The PCS Child Care Center serves parents by offeringa quality, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment for their children and by providing a learning laboratory in order for students to enhance their parenting skills. The child care center is licensed by the state of Colorado;we operate with two teachers and eight children in the infant nursery and two teachers with ten children in the toddler room. Motivation, validation, a desire for educational growth, the development of self-value and self worth, and theenhancement of a positive personal future are qualities that PCS wishes to nurture in both generations.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

      During the early years, education and care are intimately intertwined. The staff of the Passage Charter School Child Care Center create warm, nurturing environments for children that are developmentally appropriate and provide individualized attention for both basic care and developmental support. The child is seen as a unique, competent and capable person growing physically,cognitively, emotionally and socially. Our curriculum is child-centered and emergent; teachers are aware of and responsive to the interests, wants and needs of each child. Classroom activities are based on these observations, as well as on a basic knowledge of infant/toddler growth and development.

      The quality of staff/child relationships is critical for effective caregiving and instruction. Respect for the value and worth of each child is fundamental to these relationships. Nurturing interactions, between teacher and child and among children, which facilitate the child's positive sense of self-esteem and self-worth, support children's social/emotional growth. Parents are respected as the child's first teacher. Communication between parents and teachers is an essential part ofthe program in order to provide consistent care for children. With parents on-site, frequent classroom visitation by parents occurs. Teachers and parents, with the children, are partners in learning.