Points of Pride

Points of Pride 2010-2011

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

  • UM-Flint is one of only three NAEYC accredited programs in Genesee County and the only accredited program serving infants and toddlers
  • Completed 2nd year annual report as required by NAEYC
  • Curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy which was developed in Italy and places emphasis on how young children are capable and competent

 

ECDC enrollment at full capacity

  • Average of 148 children enrolled
  • Head Start full day classroom serves 15 children of UM-Flint college parents all year round
  • 16 deserving children had free preschool for 35 weeks with the Great Start Readiness Program grant
  • Approximately 23% of the enrolled families of the ECDC receive child care subsidy through the Department of Human Services 
  • 39 children participated in a cap and gown preschool graduation in the Michigan Rooms of the University Center, June 2011

 

Qualified Staff – Professional Activity and Development

  • All full-time staff presented early childhood topics at fall in-service training
  • Two Head Teachers presented at the NAEYC national conference in Anaheim, CA: Wendee Hooker and Tara Hyatt
  • Two Head Teachers presented early childhood training sessions for Child Care Connect: Wendee Hooker and Mary Lynn Gottler
  • Two Head Teachers presented at Jackson Area Early Childhood Conference at Baker College in March: Wendee Hooker and Tara Hyatt
  • Three Head Teachers presented at the MiAEYC annual conference in Grand Rapids in March: Mary Lynn Gottler, Wendee Hooker and Tara Hyatt 
  • Two ECDC Teachers presented at an evening workshop for the Greater Flint AEYC: Tammi Couture and Rhonda Sevick
  • ECDC full-time staff engaged in a Teaching Circle: Music and Movement in Early Childhood
  • Several full-time staff attended Reggio training sessions at Wayne State University
  • Three staff attended a four day Nature Institute at Chippewa Preschool in Midland
  • UM-Flint, Mott Community College and Baker College had over 40 interns complete their practicum hours at the ECDC
  • Head Teachers participated in Individual Education Plans with local school districts and obtained special services for deserving children
  • Head Teacher, Wendee Hooker, trained several nursing students on how to implement the Denver II assessment screening
  • Head Teacher, Wendee Hooker, taught early childhood infant/toddler classes for Baker College
  • Two ECDC full-time staff members took graduate courses at UM-Flint
  • Two Head Teachers earned their Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and one Associate Teacher earned their Associate Degree in Early Childhood
  • ECDC staff modeled health and fitness by participating and supporting each other in weight loss challenges
  • Little Caesar’s Fundraiser in February 2011 raised funds for staff professional development
  • Each staff member acquired at least 20 professional development hours

 

Exciting opportunities offered to children, families and community

  • Family-Teacher conferences occurred in the fall and spring, with the infant families meeting with staff at 4, 8, and 12 months of age 
  • Several families received two home visits throughout the course of the year
  • Parent representatives from each classroom participated in an active Family Advisory Board that met monthly with the Director to discuss program events, policies and procedures
  • Curriculum Night occurred in each classroom in September 2010 for families to meet and greet each other
  • Activity Night occurred in October 2010 with activities in every classroom and a huge turnout of families
  • Make ‘n Take occurred in December 2010 with activities in the Williams S. White Building lobby for children and visitors to make and take with them
  • In recognition of March is Reading Month, children and staff dressed as their favorite book character and participated in a weekly book parade
  • For March is Reading Month a “Grand Person” event invited significant people for the children to partake in literacy activities in the child’s classroom
  • The ECDC supported the annual UM-Flint Women’s Night Out event by providing child care with engaging choices and materials in the Activities Room of the Recreation Center, March 2011
  • Each classroom held a family event specific to their enrolled community of families
  • Connections with the Physical Therapy Department educated college students about fine and gross motor development of young children through assessments and swimming at the Recreation Center
  • International Night took place in May 2011 with each classroom depicting a different ethnicity
  • Annual Art Show took place in May 2011 in the William S. White Building lobby representing every child
  • Participated in the Earth Day Celebration by hosting a table and facilitating the annual egg hunt, April 2011
  • MSU Extension provided a six week nutrition class for families and staff
  • Children participated in the ECDC Crim club and trained twice a week during the summer in preparation for the big event

 

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