MCCSC Early Learning classrooms use the Creative Curriculum when planning developmentally appropriate lessons. This curriculum is research-based, hands-on, and focuses on using play as the best model of learning. Students experience a variety of free-choice and structured play through 10 learning centers. Learning centers align with Indiana’s Early Learning Standards.

You will become familiar with your student’s daily schedule very quickly. Daily schedules are posted in each classroom and will be included in newsletters sent home from teachers and staff. Daily classroom routines and procedures will be consistent while remaining flexible to meet the needs of the students. Students will participate in free-choice and planned activities in the areas of:

• Language and literacy
• Math, science, and technology
• Music, movement, and art
• Fine and gross motor skills

MCCSC Early Learning classrooms will have a daily rest time. Students will be allowed to fall asleep and wake naturally. Students who choose not to sleep will be given quiet activities to do on their cot. Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-K students are encouraged to bring one blanket and one comfort item from home for nap time. These items are kept in the student’s cubby and are sent home periodically to be laundered.

All students will participate in daily outside playground or recess time. Outdoor time is held, weather permitting, and students should dress accordingly for the weather. Coats, hats and gloves will be needed for cold-weather days. In cold weather, Students will remain indoors when the wind chill (“feels like”) temperature is below 25 degrees.

All classrooms are led by staff who meet the educational requirements for their position. Additional teaching staff assist in classrooms, keeping with state-mandated staff-child ratios. Background checks are conducted, and annual health and safety updates as well as continued professional development are required.

All MCCSC schools are locked buildings with a video entry system. In order to enter the building, families will be required to ring the video monitor to gain access. All staff have a picture ID badge to gain entry into the building.

School supplies for your student are provided by MCCSC for the school year. You will be asked to provide your student with a personal water bottle and a change of clothes.

The following meals are included in the cost of tuition:

• Breakfast
• AM Snack
• Lunch
• PM Snack

The staff at the Early Learning Center locations pride themselves on communicating effectively with families. Children and families are greeted warmly during drop off times, and staff will check in with families again at pick up times. In addition to in-person communication, The Early Learning Centers communicate with families using an app called, “Playground”. This app allows families and staff to message each other. Families can also view pictures of their child’s day and read reports about their activities. Families can also pay their monthly tuition bill directly on the app.

The Early Learning Centers create positive and personal relationships with families, knowing that the family is the child’s first teacher. MCCSC’s Early Learning Centers hold several events through the school year to build family engagement including:

• Open house events
• Family-staff conferences
• Family celebrations including: Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day
• NAEYC’s “Week of the Young Child” event

Infant Feeding and Sleeping:

The Early Learning Center staff provide individualized care for infants and allow children to eat and sleep “on demand” in accordance with the child’s natural schedule. Families will provide infant formula, breastmilk, and food for their child until the infant turns 12 months of age, and then the child will be provided breakfast, lunch, and two daily snacks.

Diapers and Supplies:

Families provide diapers for their child as well as general supplies, including extra clothes.