WELCOME to the Middlefield Children's Center, where children are given the opportunity to explore, experiment and construct their own knowledge
Call today to schedule your tour (860) 349-0202
Programs
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Preschool - 5 Classrooms for children ages 3-5
Our classrooms are divided into learning centers which support social/emotional development, creativity, early literacy and writing skills, as well as fine and gross motor development. Children are provided extended periods of time during the day to move through the classroom and select centers based on their interests.
Our centers include:
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Art: Open-ended activities and materials are available for children to explore based on their interests. This promotes independence, creativity, self-expression, eye-hand coordination, art appreciation and problem solving skills.
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Writing: Children are provided with a variety of materials to promote alphabetic and print awareness, written language, reading comprehension, phonological awareness, oral language and listening comprehension. Children learn at their own pace so we provide tools to support each individual child’s level of development.
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Blocks: Blocks of a variety of sizes, along with props are available for children to use throughout the day. While building with blocks children build skills that promote problem solving, negotiation, pride and creativity along with design, balance, gravity, position, size and shapes.
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Dramatic Play: Through dramatic play children can develop and build expressive language, respect for others, negotiating skills, problem solving, self-confidence and self-reliance, independence and they begin to identify how it feels to be someone else.
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Math/Manipulatives: Opportunities to count, sort, make patterns, measure, weigh and compare materials promote number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and traditional early math skills. A variety of puzzles are available, as well as games to encourage problem solving, taking turns, and expressive language.
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Science: Children are encouraged to ask questions, make hypotheses, conduct investigations and collect data. These experiences allow children to be active learners.
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Sensory: In this center children learn to compare weights, measure, the effects of gravity, properties of matter and buoyancy, as well as problem solve, use expressive language, learn and build on their growing vocabulary.
Programs offered for preschool: 8:30 am - 12:00, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, or a full day which is 8:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Early Morning Drop-off
Middelfield Children's Center offers an Early Morning Drop-off option for families needing care before morning preschool begins at 8:30 am. Early care will be offered starting at 7:30 am. All ages come together to use the classroom. There are opportunities for art, block building, dramatic play and table top games/activities. Parents/caregivers are also able to bring in breakfast during the early morning session.
After School K-2
Middlefield Children's Center, in collaboration with Durham and Middlefield Public Schools, have an After School option available. The children in the public schools are able to get on the bus and be dropped off at MCC. The hours of this program are 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Our preschool families also have the option of sending their child for a full day until 6:00 pm.
For the elementary aged children, there is time scheduled for home work, snack, outside time on the playground and play within the classroom.
During the afternoon our curriculum allows for a deeper exploration in S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). There is an activity available each day that encourages children of all ages to explore and expand their knowledge. Through differentiated planning we are able to engage all children without discouraging and/or boring them based on age and developmental ranges. Working together, using the same materials in various ways promotes cognitive, social and emotional development as well as leadership qualities for the older children as they guide and encourgae the younger children.