Rutgers - Livingston Day Care Center

Young children are explorers, investigators, scientists trying to make sense of their world through interactions with the environment, adults and other children. They are active learners, continuously incorporating new information with that which they already know. Therefore, everything is the childs curriculum; every experience, conversation, observation, whether purposefully planned or inadvertent, is influential.

Young children develop and learn best when their physical, social and emotional needs are considered as important as their academic successes. They need nurturing adults who understand child development and truly enjoy children. They deserve specially educated teachers who value this unique stage of life and are dedicated to helping each child become an independent, life-long learner; teachers who will provide a safe community where social skills are practiced, risks can be taken, and self esteem flourishes. Children deserve teachers that respect the value of and safeguard every childs right to play. Play is the very core of childrens learning and accordingly, our curriculum.

Young children develop with predictable sequence, but at their own pace, making each child an individual with a distinct personality, temperament and learning style, as well as strengths, talents, needs and interests. Children must be respected for who they are today, without undue pressure to get ready for who they may be tomorrow. Learning activities, planned from childrens interests, are integrated to provide meaningful experiences that build knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in these areas: literacy and language, mathematics, art, science, dramatic play, cooking, social studies, music, multiculturalism, physical and social development.

Young children come to us with their families, who are their primary teachers and caregivers, bringing diverse cultures, beliefs and practices, which need to be respected. Families are welcomed and encouraged to be as involved at the Center as their schedules and other commitments allow.