Program Options
Two program options are available:
1. The morning program operating Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and
2. The afternoon program operating Monday and Wednesday, 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Purpose
The purpose of this program shall be to provide two half-day early childhood experiences for preschool children and their families. The program shall be utilized to provide preservice learning experiences for Child and Family Studies students. The program will benefit the child and the family as well as the Eastern Kentucky University and Richmond communities.
Program Goals
The learning opportunities emerging within the Burrier Child Development Center community are designed to emphasize the development of the whole child; socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, linguistically, and creatively.
Specifically, consideration is given to:
1. Establishing a positive family-school partnership which will contribute to a mutual understanding of the child and promote unconditional positive regard.
2. Assisting the child and family in becoming comfortable in the school setting with new peers,adults, environment and routines.
3. Fostering the development of each child's unique personality, learning styles, and modalities for self-expression.
4. Supporting children in developing a respect for self and others.
5. Enhancing children's self-esteem as positive self-esteem is the foundation for realization of individual potential.
6. Guiding children in becoming aware of similarities and differences which characterize individuals; encouraging non- judgmental acceptance as well as appreciation for individual capabilities.
7. Supporting children in understanding, accepting, and expressing feelings in constructive and safe ways (acknowledge emotional state, talk about expression, and demonstrate appropriate ways to "enact" feelings).
8. Providing children with appropriate alternatives for resolving conflict, based on age and stage of development, and structure for developing self-control.
9. Arranging learning opportunities which reflect the interests and experiences of each child and family incorporating their immediate environment and culture as well as ethnic heritage.
10. Planning many experiences, both indoors and outdoors, which enhance children's body awareness, spatial orientation, sensory integration, motor planning, and development of large and small muscles.
11. Fostering children's language development and communication skills through many opportunities rich in print, listening, speaking, reading signs and symbols, and experimenting with writing tools.
12. Providing creative experiences and materials for children to express themselves through art, dramatic play, block building and construction, as well as music and movement.
13. Stimulating independent thinking and problem solving skills through discovery experiences and investigations.
14. Guiding and supporting children in the development of social skills that facilitate group work through project activities and circle time.
15. Fostering appreciation of beauty in the natural environment and respect for animal and plant life in the immediate community.
Sponsorship
This program is a nonprofit early childhood program sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University. It is administered through the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences within the College of Health Sciences.
Licensure and Accreditation
The Burrier Child Development Center is a state licensed Type I Child Care Center, is a Four STAR rated center from the state of Kentucky's Quality Rating System, and is an accredited early childhood program through the National Academy, National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Kentucky state license, 4-STAR rating, and the accreditation certificate are framed and displayed inside the classroom (to the left of the door leading to the hallway).
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