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SUMCD announces fall preschool openings
Mar 5, 2010 - 8:59:37 AM

    Snyder, Union, Mifflin Child Development (SUMCD), Inc., has preschool (ages 3–5) openings for the fall of 2010 at Mifflinburg Children’s Center and Lewisburg Children’s Center, and possible openings at Susquehanna Children’s Center and Selinsgrove High School Children’s Center. Parents anticipating a need for quality child care services should reserve services now for the fall by calling an enrollment manager at 524-0926.
    SUMCD’s child care program offers quality early care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The agency operates six centers for infants through preschool-age children as well as before and after school and summer camp for school-age children. All of SUMCD’s centers are recognized for program quality by the state of Pennsylvania through the Keystone STARS evaluation system, a continuous quality improvement program developed by the state of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development. There are four STAR levels, each with its own research-based performance standards. These standards measure four areas that make a difference in the quality of care your child receives: educated and well-trained staff, environment your child is in every day, leadership and management, and family and community partnerships. As a program moves from STAR 1 to STAR 4, the requirements in these areas increase. Lewisburg Children’s Center, Mifflinburg Children’s Center, Susquehanna Children’s Center, and Selinsgrove High School Children’s Center all have a STAR 4 designation.
    The early childhood education curriculum is based on active learning, developmentally appropriate practice, and preparation for future schooling. Centers use The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers and The Creative Curriclum for Preschoolers, which are based on the work of Maslow, Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky as well as two of today’s most respected child development experts, Stanley Greenspan and T. Berry Brazelton. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all children, including children with special needs. SUMCD’s qualified teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields, first aid certification; training in emergency procedures; child abuse and criminal record clearances; and ongoing in-service training each year.
    SUMCD’s partnership with parents is an integral part of the child care program. Parents are welcome visitors at any time, and centers offer many opportunities for family participation, including parent meetings, newsletters, volunteer opportunities, family days/nights, Parent Bulletin Board, meals with your child’s classroom, parent lending libraries, field trips, and more.
    Low- and moderate-income families may qualify for state/federal assistance with child care fees through SUMCD’s Child Care Information Services, which provides vouchers to eligible low-income parents who are employed or in training.
    For more information about enrollment for services, contact Kathy Meas or Deb Field at 524-0926. For information about SUMCD, see the website: www.sumcd.org. SUMCD is a United Way agency.

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