PROGRAM OVERVIEW The staff of the Child Development Center believe that each child is an individual of great worth and that each day of a child’s life is viewed as leading toward the growth and development of a healthy, intelligent and contributing member of society. Our staff of trained caregivers hope to influence personal growth by creating an environment for your child in which individuality as well as interaction with others is highly valued.
Our program is based on The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s guidelines on Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs. We strive to meet the needs of and promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the children, while responding to the needs of the family. The caregivers in your child’s classroom are trained on how to develop a developmentally appropriate plan for your child. A weekly curriculum plan will be posted in each classroom so that you will know what to expect for your child daily.
Activities that your child will be given the opportunity to participate in include: creative art, music, fine and gross motor development, sand and water play, songs and finger plays, story times, promotion of a positive self-image, readiness skills for math, reading, and writing, dramatic play and many activities to promote positive social skills. The children have a great deal of free choice in selecting from many different activities in which there are no right or wrong answers. This increases a child’s chances for success. By learning to be successful, children develop a good outlook about themselves and their environment. Your child will be involved in “play”. Children learn the following through play: selecting, experimenting, classifying, enjoying, participating, testing, questioning, organizing, observing, improving, discovering and constructing.
Most of the teaching is done indirectly with the teachers respecting each child’s individual development and interests through listening and patience. Each full day of class will have a rest period at the appropriate scheduled time, sleeping is not required but resting quietly is encouraged.
All children, regardless of the program (i.e. full-time, hourly, Pre-Kindergarten program) will have the same opportunities to engage in the various activities while they are at the center. We will strive to encourage, challenge and assist each child to grow as fast and as far as possible by meeting the needs of each child and building a positive self-concept and sense of control over one’s own identity.
ELIGIBILITY & PRIORITY The status of the sponsor determines eligibility of children to enroll in Navy Child Development Programs. Eligibility is based on the parent who has physical custody of the child. Eligible patrons include Active Duty military personnel, DoD civilian personnel, and reservists on active duty or inactive duty for training.
Sometimes, child care is not immediately available because of waiting lists. In order to give parents the best service possible, MWR certifies CHILD DEVELOPMENT HOME CARE providers.
STAFF TO CHILD RATIOS
6 weeks-12 months 1 adult to 4 children
12-24 months 1 adult to 5 children
24-36 months 1 adult to 7 children
36 months+ 1 adult to 12 children
Navy staffing ratios are based on current philosophies of developmentally appropriate practice. These limits will not be exceeded. These regulations are necessary to ensure a safe and healthy environment with ample supervision. The Child Development Center Staff have been selected for their genuine love and concern for children. They are trained in each area of developmental care as well as in basic first aid and CPR. Continuous training in many areas is mandatory. All staff members are professionals in their field.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Bldg 2287 6 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F
Bldg 1960 6 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F
Closed Federal Holidays
CONVENIENT HOURLY CARE Should you need the use of the Center on an hourly care basis, reservations can be made at either Center. Building 2287 can service ages 6 weeks - 5 years of age and Building 1960 can service ages 6 weeks - 5 years of age. Hourly care services are offered on a space available basis.
FOOD SERVICE We are under the guidance of the USDA Food Program, and appropriate portions, in accordance with the age of the child and various food groups must be served.
FEES Fees based on total family income and are due on the 1st and 15th of the month (military pay days).
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT We hope that your child enjoys his/her stay at NS Mayport Child Development Centers and that you will be pleased with the services offered. Please feel free to contact us regarding any matters that you feel are important. Suggestions and comments are always welcome.
Remember...you are invited to tour our facilities or visit your child at any time during the day.
Bldg 2287 - Off Base
Phone: (904) 241-4507
Bldg 1960 - Off Base
Phone: (904) 247-7740
Fax: (904) 270-6085
