The Child Development Center serves the AU Community by: providing an opportunity for the primary family caregiver to pursue a university education; supporting the family unit through child care for the university community; providing an educational experience for university students interested in young children and parenting; and offering an educational program for approximately thirty children, ages 2 and a half to 6 years.
Here you can learn more about the CDC philosophy, our program, the educational objectives guiding our efforts, and ways in which we encourage parent involvement.
If you desire additional information, please feel free to call (202) 885-3330 or email Alanah Plaza at plaza@american.edu
CDC Philosophy
At the Child Development Center, we believe in focusing on interrelated areas of development: emotional, social, intellectual and physical; helping children to be competent and joyful at their present stage of development; developing curricula to meet children's individual needs and temperaments; providing time to explore and discover during group and individual activities initiated by the teacher or children and, setting limits and teaching acceptable behavior.
The CDC Program
Our program is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and includes: a sequenced time structure allowing for active and quiet experiences; learning in areas, such as dramatic play, science, blocks, carpentry, reading, art, math, table games, cooking, sand/water and outdoor play; special projects prepared by university students; field trips utilizing community resources such as libraries, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian museums, and our local fire station; and, participation in special campus events.
CDC Administration
The Center is part of the Office of Human Resources at American University. The position of Director requires a graduate degree in child development, early childhood education, or equivalent experience. Our support staff includes professional teachers with degrees in early childhood education and psychological and pediatric consultants. University student interns from the departments of education, psychology, communications, art, science, and dance work as classroom aides. The current staff to child ratio is approximately 1:5.
CDC Educational Objectives
Our goals are to: foster pro-social behavior and enhance the development of independence; encourage curiosity, creativity, experimentation and problem-solving skills; provide opportunities for development of muscle control and coordination; promote self-expression through language, art, music, movement and drama; promote self-esteem; develop the child's understanding of his/her environment; and, help children cope with conflicts typical of each stage of development.
Parent Involvement
We involve parents through: parent and family events, e.g., family suppers, skating parties and lectures, participation on a parent advisory group, lunches with their children at the Center, informal parent/staff discussions on a regular basis, parent-teacher conferences held twice each year and upon request, fund-raising events and workdays.
Facilities, Snacks and Lunch
At the CDC, our students are served snacks twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. These snacks are often prepared by the children themselves. Lunch and a beverage are provided by the family.
