7:00-8:30 - Mixed age - Arrival, free play, quiet table activities
8:30-9:15 - Children into class groups, diapering, toileting, hand washing
9:15-9:45 - Group time (language arts/music)/Snack
9:45-10:45 - Free play/Learning Centers (art activities, dramatic play, sensory activities, manipulative's, blocks, literacy activities)
10:45-11:00 - Clean up, diapering, toileting, hand washing
11:00-11:45 - Outdoor, large muscle activities
12:00-12:30 - Lunch time
12:30-1:00 - Quiet time, rest room, wash hands, prepare for rest
1:00-3:00 - Rest time
3:00-3:15 - Diapering, toileting, hand washing
3:15-3:45 - Group time(language arts, music)/Snack
3:45-4:15 - Outdoor/large muscle activities
4:15-5:00 - Free play/Learning Centers(art activities, dramatic play, sensory activities, manipulative's, blocks, literacy activities)
5:00-5:15 - Clean up, diapering, toileting, hand washing
5:15-6:00 - Mixed Age - quiet table activities, literacy activities, departure

Toddler

     In the toddler classroom, children are encouraged to explore their environment in a hands-on, play based learning environment. Children are offered attractive, engaging activities tailored to their individual development level and areas of interest. Teachers foster positive self-concept, dressing, and toileting when children show signs of readiness and interest in these skills. Teachers will listen and respond to toddler's attempts at language, and will model appropriate language usage and help provide the necessary social guidance to assist children in building relationships with their friends and teachers.

     We strongly support family relationships, and encourage parents or other important family members to bring photographs and items from home for their children to use. We encourage family members to visit, read, and to play with children when their schedule permits.

     Children have daily opportunities to choose their own play activities and playmates within the reassuring structure of daily routines. Physical development is supported by providing time for, space and appropriate play materials for active play such as walking, climbing up and over, jumping, pushing and pulling objects and dancing. Providing support while children explore simple puzzles, pop beads, stacking toys, and a variety of sensory materials that encourages fine muscle development.

     Early conflict resolution skills are taught as appropriate to the developmental level of the child. Using words to express feelings, learning the words for feelings, and simple turn taking, and gentle touches encouraged and modeled for toddlers.

     Teachers use observation and parent input to plan and revise curriculum to meet the needs of individual children and the group as a whole.

     Routine tasks such as diapering, toileting, eating, dressing and sleeping are handled in a relaxed and individualized manner based on developmental needs and parental requests. Teachers and staff of the Indianola Children's Center strive to work with parents and children to maintain a high-quality, caring environment in which children can learn, grow and have a wonderful early care experience.

Preschool

     The Preschool classroom works with 3-6 years, using stories, songs, arts, science, math, reading and writing, mixed with large and gross motor skills. The teachers encourage the students to perform daily activities, such as dressing, toileting, problem-solving, and clean-up. Communication, using words and a peacemaking approach emphasizes independence and interdependence.

     Preschool children are potty trained. They can manage to change their clothes, dress themselves and feed themselves. Children are still encouraged to be emerged in “play-based” activities, which incorporate the above subjects, without use of testing and rigorous formats. While this might not seem to be “academic” in nature, using the Emergent Play-Based approach, children gain the basic foundational skills needed to attend school. For example, after completing an art project, children label their project with their name, allowing them to learn their letters. Children are encouraged to help each other and share tasks that will be expected at a Kindergarten level. Introduction/Description:

Indianola Children's Center's mission is to serve as a quality provider of childcare, for toddlers, preschoolers and school-agers, to be a parent education center, and to be a community resource for the OSU campus and surrounding area.

Indianola Children's Center is a learning community for children and adults, where:

Our goals:

     We believe that all children are full of remarkable capabilities and have a right to a childhood filled with play, exploration, and excitement about learning. We see children as enormously creative, and capable of complex learning through self-play. We build our curriculum around their questions and pursuits, and the skills they are trying to master. We pay close attention to cultivating their self-esteem and their dispositions toward learning, risk-taking, and problem solving.

     We implement anti-bias and peace building practices that emphasize the value of diversity of the children as individuals, and as members of families, cultures, and communities. We seek a team approach in our care giving and strive for collaboration with families and the wider community.