About Our Program
A Curriculum of Constructivism
The Jefferson College Early Childhood Center (ECC) is committed to pursuing "constructivism" as a model educational approach that has dramatically expanded teachers' understanding of how young children grow and learn. Missouri's "Project Construct" is a research-based curriculum that stresses problem solving skills, knowledge of the physical world, and independence. This curriculum framework is adapted and utilized by lead teachers for planning with all age groups.
The Jefferson College Early Childhood Center (ECC) is committed to pursuing "constructivism" as a model educational approach that has dramatically expanded teachers' understanding of how young children grow and learn. Missouri's "Project Construct" is a research-based curriculum that stresses problem solving skills, knowledge of the physical world, and independence. This curriculum framework is adapted and utilized by lead teachers for planning with all age groups.
In this educational philosophy, children are viewed as eager learners who "construct" their own knowledge, continually building on what they already know. All lead teachers complete Project Construct curriculum training.
In this educational philosophy, children are viewed as eager learners who "construct" their own knowledge, continually building on what they already know. All lead teachers complete Project Construct curriculum training.
Teachers in Project Construct classrooms strive to:
- Use students’ interests to motivate and engage them in learning.
- Encourage children to collaborate and work together.
- Allow children to take initiative, express opinions, and make choices.
- View children’s errors as learning opportunities.
- Assess children’s thinking, as well as their work, in order to teach more effectively.
The Missouri Early Learning Standards include the areas of literacy, math, and science, social-emotional and physical development. Teachers access and utilize these standards which align with the Project Construct goals to prepare a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate program for your child.
As educators, we accept the responsibility to model respect, kindness, cooperation, humor, a love of investigative learning, and a joy for community interaction.
The daily schedule provides a balance of free and directed play, as well as active and quiet, large and small group play both indoors and outdoors. The daily schedule allows for long periods of time for center-based activities that focus on math, language, writing, art, science, blocks, sensory exploration, music, reading, and dramatic play. The daily schedule, individualized class schedules and lesson plans are posted for parents in each classroom.
Our Philosophy
Program philosophy is based on the commitment to core values that are deeply rooted in the field of early childhood education. The program adheres to the tenets of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct that is as follows:
- Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
- Base work with children on knowledge of child development.
- Appreciate and support the close ties between the child and family.
- Recognize that children are best understood in the context of family, culture and society.
- Respect the uniqueness, dignity, and worth of each individual.
- Help children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect and positive regard.
Jefferson College has provided child care on campus since 1974. In 1983, in order to better meet the needs of the students, faculty and staff, a stand alone facility (designed by the Jefferson College Architectural Drafting students and built by the Building Trades students), was completed to house the Child Development Center. The increase in capacity allowed for the enrollment of children from the community. In 1999, an additional classroom, funded by the Missouri Preschool Project, was included in the building of the Area Technical School (ATS). In 2019, the Center underwent a renovation to update the main building utilizing funds granted through a capital project request in 2017. In 2022, the Center changed its name from Child Development Center to Early Childhood Center. This change resulted from discussions aimed at achieving a more accurate representation of our program and better aligning it with the Early Childhood Education department on campus.
From the inception of the Early Childhood AAS Degree and the ATS Early Childhood programs, the Early Childhood Center has been utilized extensively as a model observation, lab and practicum site. Students from other disciplines, such as Nursing, utilize the Center for activities as well.
The program has consistently followed the research on how young children learn best. Constructivism and developmentally appropriate practice remain strong components of the program that are in turn modeled to the adult learner. The goal is for this "best practice" to continue out in the community as students gain employment in other child care programs or school districts.
The purpose of the Jefferson College Early Childhood Center is to provide a comprehensive, high quality care and education program for preschool and school age children, ages 2 through 12.
The Center also serves as a laboratory setting for Area Technical School and College Students enrolled in early childhood education coursework or other curricula related to the care and education of young children. Students are provided an opportunity to observe and interact with young children as part of their course work.
It is the program’s intent to instruct and model for students the theoretical knowledge of learning and human behavior, attitudes that foster learning, knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, and a repertoire of teaching skills that can effectively impart knowledge to the young child.
Each child develops in his/her own way. However, every child needs certain skills to successfully function in the world. The goals of our program are:
- To build strong bodies and promote habits of a healthy lifestyle.
- To provide children with an environment in which they learn to express their ideas and feelings.
- To provide children with opportunities to become self-regulating, self-directing and self-confident.
- To provide children with a love of learning through exploration and discovery.
- To provide children with appropriate social skills through interactions with peers and adults.
- To promote respect for self and others.
Our Mission
Jefferson College Early Childhood Center fosters an environment that promotes positive relationships and meaningful interactions to meet the diverse needs of children, families, and students.
Our Vision
Jefferson College Early Childhood Center strives to cultivate a community of lifelong learners for both children and adults.
Our Mission
Family
Understanding that family is the child’s first and most important teacher, we embrace these relationships and build upon them to enhance the learning capabilities.
Empathy
Establishing ways to actively listen, validate, and support the needs of families, children, staff, and students in their educational journey.
Teamwork
Cultivating a learning environment in which we are fostering positive relationships and collaboration among teachers, children, and families allows us to effectively meet individual, class, and family goals.
Respect
Fostering an environment where individual differences are valued and built upon to create an inclusive learning community.
