The Children's Learning Center at Hunter College

Children learn through play for it is their language and their work. In dealing with the whole child as an individual the five essential elements of developmentphysical social emotional creative and cognitiveare incorporated into the daily curriculum.
Physical
Gross motor development is important because children need ample opportunities to use their large muscles which enable the much-needed movements for normal growth. Fine motor skills are important for eye/hand coordination and visual perception. These are necessary for the complex challenges of writing and reading.
Social
Children learn to get along with others through identification and modeling. They learn generosity cooperation compromise friendship respect and the value of using words in place of aggressive behavior.
Emotional
We nurture childrens emotional growth by creating as many opportunities as possible for them to express themselves. Our setting is supportive consistent and trusting which helps children develop their sense of autonomy and initiative. In this environment they learn to deal with their feelings in appropriate ways.
Creativity
This valuable tool is used to increase the childs feelings of self-esteem and to facilitate self-expression. We emphasize the process rather than the product. A child who creates is a child who imagines.
Cognitive
We encourage the childs sense of wonder and curiosity while keeping cognitive learning a source of genuine pleasure. The various activities develop the skills necessary for discovering the essence of math and the joy of reading.
At The Childrens Learning Center our goal is to help children experience positive development to become independent and to function in society. Working together with their parents we create a familiar atmosphere that contributes to their growth and development as conscientious citizens for tomorrows world.