PROGRAMS

At Virden, Westside, and Jones Childhood Development Centers, we base our curriculum on the theory that children will use every aspect of their senses and bodies to learn about the world in which they live.  Teachers understand that each child is born with an incredible amount of curiosity and a unique style of learning.

For our pre-schoolers, our main units are based on a letter of the alphabet and then broken down into smaller units daily, such as ducks or doctors for the letter "D."  The consonant sound is reinforced throughout the week with rhymes, stories, and pictures.  The majority of the weekly activities are centered around words that begin with the letter of the week.  Teachers use books, art, music, outside visitors, and other related activities involving small and large muscle groups to teach our children about topics.

Our young two's enjoy stories and music time, flannel board stories, song or puppet shows, and finger plays.  Their morning routine is followed by a half-hour period of free choice activities within the classroom.

The older preschoolers enjoy a rotation of language, phonic, math and science/social studies during structured time.  Classes are divided into smaller groups during this hour.  Groups are based on maturity level and readiness.

Our afternoon is welcomed with daily music activities and outside playground time.  There is also an enrichment activity for each group (a book, song, fingerplay, arts/crafts) that coordinates with the letter of the day.  Each class closes the day with "circle time," reviewing the day's activities and events and what to expect tomorrow.

We offer a balance of structured educational programs and free choice play activities, giving children the foundation they need to succeed in kindergarten. Reading readiness is a high priority for our children.

Our infants and young toddlers also have a fun day to look forward to.  We maintain a low teacher to child ratio to ensure maximum individual attention throughout the day.  Although their schedule is not as structured as the preschoolers, our toddlers and infants enjoy developmental activities during their day.  Language activities are centered around flashcards.

HEALTH BITES

The City of Jackson receives funding from the Department of Education to provide children at each child care center a balanced breakfast, lunch, and snack during the day.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for children.  Practicing healthy behaviors during early childhood is essential for a child's growth, development, and health.

STAFF

The Human and Cultural Services/Early Childhood Development Division Staff consists of:

·        Director

·        Deputy Director

·        Program Manager

·        Program Coordinator

·        Nutrition Coordinator

·        Center Supervisors

·        Caring and trained professional teachers/aides

·        Licensed social workers

·        Food service workers and

·        Custodians.

FEE SCHEDULE

Ages:                                                                                        Rate: 

Children 6 weeks - 12 months                                                  $16.80 per day

Children 13 months - 36 months                                               $16.00 per day

3 years to 5 years                                                                    $15.30 per day

Operational hours:  7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and legal holidays.

Payment for families receiving this service is determined based on an Annual Gross Family Income Range according to the CCDF Child Monthly Co-Payment Fee Scale.  Monthly fees are due the 1^st of every month.

If you are interested in learning more about the City of Jackson Early Childhood Development Program, please call (601) 960-0335.