Home > Child Development Center

Child Development Center

We want all children to develop a passion for learning. We do this by giving the child and family a feeling of safety, trust, and respect. We believe that all children learn best through discovering and playing. Therefore, we set up our classroom environment so that children are free to choose to investigate in their own way and at their own pace. 

Our Curriculum

Our center is a planned environment for young children to learn in a way that is
developmentally appropriate.

It is designed to foster independence and allow the children to choose from a number of activities in learning centers.

The materials are placed where the children can reach them and return them without help within a learning center.

The children are encouraged to be responsible. After enjoying an activity they learn to return materials to their proper location before beginning a new activity.

Because we know that young children learn best by using their senses and having first hand experiences, many hands-on activities are available to the children.

The daily schedule allows large blocks of time so a child may fully experience an activity in a learning center.

Our staff members use a child-centered approach that strives to help the children develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.

Our Programs

Registration for the upcoming school year begins in April and continues throughout the summer. However, individual slots may become available throughout the school year. Please call for availability.

State Mandated Preschool Program

We have 7 classrooms in which we take 3 and 4-year-old Paterson residents.  The children must turn 3 or 4 by October 31st of the current school year.  This program is FREE between the hours of 8:15-3:00 pm.

Before & After-Care

For families that need an extended day, we have a WRAP program (before and after school) from 7-8:15 and 3:00-5:00.  We accept subsidy payments through 4C’s, or we accept payments directly from parents for those families who are not approved by any subsidy program. 

Sample Schedule

Below is an example of what a typical day might look like:

8:15-8:30Breakfast / Arrival
8:30-8:45Morning Group Meeting
8:45-9:45Outdoor Choice Time
 8:45-8:50 Transition
 8:50-9:35 outdoor choice
 9:35-9:45   Transition
9:45-10:00Read Aloud
10:00-11:20Academic Choice Time
Small-Group Time(15 mins)
and Clean-up Time (5 mins) embedded
11:20-11:50Prep for Lunch & Family Style Lunch
11:50-1:10Rest / Quiet Activities
11:50-12:30 Teacher’s Lunch
12:30-1:10 Assistant Lunch
1:10-1:15Music and Movement
1:15-1:30Whole Group Extension
1:30-2:50Academic Choice Time:
Small-Group Time(15 mins),
Clean-Up Time and, Snack are embedded
2:50-3:00Afternoon  Group Meeting

Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners

The Creative Curriculum addresses and incorporates the needs of English Language Learners. In order to support them, each classroom is staffed with bilingual teachers and/or teacher assistants. All centers and materials are labeled in the home languages of the children in the classroom, as well as with pictures. Multi-cultural and multi-lingual books are read in the classroom and available in the library area. Songs and music from children’s home languages are also played and sung in class. We also encourage families to participate in the classroom to share their linguistic and cultural traditions whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does child care cost?

Rates vary depending on the amount of time the child will be attending and which program your child is in.  Please contact us for the most up-to-date information.
 

Does my child have to be potty trained in order to attend the center?

No, CDC will assist parents in potty training their child.  We do ask that you provide a change of clothes to have at the center in case of an accident.
 

Will meals be provided for my child?

We offer well-balanced meals for every child under the Dep’t of Agricultures CACFP program.  Breakfast is offered between 8:15-8:30. If a child arrives later than 8:30 we will assume that they ate at home.  Please speak to a staff member if your child needs to eat after the 8:30 drop-off time.  We also supply a well-balanced lunch and afternoon snack.  Please let us know if your child has any allergies or sensitivities to foods or beverages.

Sample Menu

Can my child take a nap at the center?

Yes.  We ask that the parents provide a crib sheet and blanket for their child’s sleeping mat.

Will the children be able to play outside?

Yes.  We have a gated playground on site.  Gross motor/outdoor play is offered in the morning and again in the afternoon if your child stays for the WRAP program.

How can I place my child on the waiting list?

To find out if we have any openings available, please fill out the Request Information form or contact us by phone.

What materials will be in my child’s classroom?

Each classroom is designed to educate the children through hands-on learning centers.  The children can move freely from one center to another with the guidance of a teacher or an assistant. The learning centers include resources in Language Arts, Mathematics and Science, Creative Arts, Music, Blocks, and Sand or Water Play.

Contact Us

Karen Humphris, Executive Director
973-684-5913   
[email protected]

Patty Cordova, Family Worker,
973-684-6073
[email protected]

Nelly Husein, Family Worker  
973-684-5562
[email protected]

Elizabeth Diago, Staff Assistant  
973-684-5915
[email protected]

Hours
Mon – Fri, 7am – 5pm

Location  
On Broadway between 126 Broadway and the main entrance of the college

Mailing Address
Passaic County Community College
Child Development Center
One College Blvd.
Paterson, NJ 07501