MTSU Department of Human Sciences - Child Development Center

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center's programs are based on the philosophy that children develop best when adults and caregivers emphasize the total development of the child. We believe that children are active learners and unique individuals. They learn in a developmental sequence, progressing at their own pace. We value the contributions that cultural, racial, and socio-economic diversity, special needs, and gender differences bring to the program and to the development of children. Children are best served in integrated settings where attitudes of understanding and acceptance can be fostered. The integrated setting should be arranged to stimulate the acquisition of competencies in communicative, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Statement of Purpose
The Child Development Center (CDC) exists to serve children and their families, to educate MTSU students, and as a lab for faculty teaching and research.

The Early Childhood Education program strives to promote the growth and development of each child. At the same time, we encourage family involvement as a way of fostering this development and encouraging improved parenting skills.

Secondly, we exist as a training center for students in Early Childhood Education and related disciplines. The Center provides practical experiences in child growth and development as well as in planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and curriculums.

Finally, we strive to provide faculty with developmentally appropriate labs that will enhance their teaching endeavors and allow them to investigate a variety of research areas. The child's welfare is of the utmost concern. Every effort is made to minimize disruptions. Parents will always be informed of research programs and participation is voluntary.

Programs
The MTSU Child Development Center consists of two programs. The Infant-Toddler Program serves children aged 12 to 36 months. Children whose twelve-month birthday falls on or before September 30 are eligible for enrollment in the fall semester.

The Preschool School serves children ages three to five years. Children whose third birthday falls on or before September 30 are eligible for enrollment in the fall semester.

Infant-Toddler Program
Section I: 12-18 months*              9:00 - 11:30 a.m., Mon. and Wed.
Section II: 18-24 months*             9:00 - 11:30 a.m., Tues. and Thurs.
Section III: 24-30 months*            1:00 - 3:30 p.m., Mon. and Wed.
Section IV: 30-36 months*            1:00 - 3:30 p.m., Tues. and Thurs.

*Ages may vary depending on applications received. Schedule begins in September each year. Children stay on the same schedule while attending the Center.

Preschool
Morning Session: 3-4 years
8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Mon.-Thurs.
Afternoon Session: 4-5 years
1:00-4:00 p.m.

Enrollment
Eligible children are selected by order of application date when positions become available. Criteria for selection are a balance of ages, genders, cultures, and special needs. The programs consist of children from the Murfreesboro area.

Fee Schedule
The tuition fee is based on the date of enrollment and the number of children enrolled from each family (i.e., discount for an additional child). Upon acceptance into the program, an annual non-refundable enrollment fee of $15.00 is required in addition to the tuition fee.

Parent Involvement
The CDC recognizes that parents are an important aspect of our program since they are the first and most influential teachers of their children. The Center provides parents with an opportunity to be involved with their children in a variety of ways. An observation booth allows parents to observe their child in the classroom. Parents may be invited to share their interests & talents in the classroom. Also, parent workdays and open-house occur each semester. Parenting information is provided in many ways: newsletters, bulletin board displays, and seminars.

Student Involvement
The CDC exists as a training center for students in Early Childhood Education and related disciplines. The Center provides students with practical experiences which allow them to learn about child growth and development as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and curriculum

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center's programs are based on the philosophy that children develop best when adults and caregivers emphasize the total development of the child. We believe that children are active learners and unique individuals. They learn in a developmental sequence, progressing at their own pace. We value the contributions that cultural, racial, and socio-economic diversity, special needs, and gender differences bring to the program and to the development of children. Children are best served in integrated settings where attitudes of understanding and acceptance can be fostered. The integrated setting should be arranged to stimulate the acquisition of competencies in communicative, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Statement of Purpose
The Child Development Center (CDC) exists to serve children and their families, to educate MTSU students, and as a lab for faculty teaching and research.

The Early Childhood Education program strives to promote the growth and development of each child. At the same time, we encourage family involvement as a way of fostering this development and encouraging improved parenting skills.

Secondly, we exist as a training center for students in Early Childhood Education and related disciplines. The Center provides practical experiences in child growth and development as well as in planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and curriculums.

Finally, we strive to provide faculty with developmentally appropriate labs that will enhance their teaching endeavors and allow them to investigate a variety of research areas. The child's welfare is of the utmost concern. Every effort is made to minimize disruptions. Parents will always be informed of research programs and participation is voluntary.

Programs
The MTSU Child Development Center consists of two programs. The Infant-Toddler Program serves children aged 12 to 36 months. Children whose twelve-month birthday falls on or before September 30 are eligible for enrollment in the fall semester.

The Preschool School serves children ages three to five years. Children whose third birthday falls on or before September 30 are eligible for enrollment in the fall semester.

Infant-Toddler Program
Section I: 12-18 months*              9:00 - 11:30 a.m., Mon. and Wed.
Section II: 18-24 months*             9:00 - 11:30 a.m., Tues. and Thurs.
Section III: 24-30 months*            1:00 - 3:30 p.m., Mon. and Wed.
Section IV: 30-36 months*            1:00 - 3:30 p.m., Tues. and Thurs.

*Ages may vary depending on applications received. Schedule begins in September each year. Children stay on the same schedule while attending the Center.

Preschool
Morning Session: 3-4 years
8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Mon.-Thurs.
Afternoon Session: 4-5 years
1:00-4:00 p.m.

Enrollment
Eligible children are selected by order of application date when positions become available. Criteria for selection are a balance of ages, genders, cultures, and special needs. The programs consist of children from the Murfreesboro area.

Fee Schedule
The tuition fee is based on the date of enrollment and the number of children enrolled from each family (i.e., discount for an additional child). Upon acceptance into the program, an annual non-refundable enrollment fee of $15.00 is required in addition to the tuition fee.

Parent Involvement
The CDC recognizes that parents are an important aspect of our program since they are the first and most influential teachers of their children. The Center provides parents with an opportunity to be involved with their children in a variety of ways. An observation booth allows parents to observe their child in the classroom. Parents may be invited to share their interests & talents in the classroom. Also, parent workdays and open-house occur each semester. Parenting information is provided in many ways: newsletters, bulletin board displays, and seminars.

Student Involvement
The CDC exists as a training center for students in Early Childhood Education and related disciplines. The Center provides students with practical experiences which allow them to learn about child growth and development as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and curriculum