Early Childhood Development is funded in part by the City of Jackson, the Mississippi Department of Human Services, and the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Child Nutrition.
The City of Jackson Early Childhood Development Program recognizes the importance of balance to parents; the need to successfully juggle work and family life with a need to find quality educational child care with peace of mind. We encourage children to explore their own abilities as teachers guide them to learning that is fun and engaging.
PROGRAMS
At Virden, Westside, and Jane 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 a 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 and 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 coordinators 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 there 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 a 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.
DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Jones Ecd Center Virden Ecd Center
2050 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive 3159 Edwards Avenue
Jackson, Ms. 39209 Jackson, Ms. 39213
(601) 960-1997 (601) 960-1420
Westside Ecd Center
1450 Wiggins Road
Jackson, MS 39209
(601) 960-2400
STAFF
The Human and Cultural Services/Early Childhood Development Division Staff consist 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 week-ends 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 1st of every month.
If you are interested in learning more about the City of Jackson/Early Childhood Development Program, please call (601) 960-0335.
We welcome you to call or visit any of the above child care centers and complete an application as well as tour the facility of your choice:
