Clayton Child Center opened its doors in 1980 to provide quality childcare for children whose parents live or work in the Clayton Community. Children age 2 through 5 years attend the Preschool Center at 7501 Maryland Avenue.
We are non-profit, fully licensed childcare center that is also Nationally and State Accredited. We have a dedicated staff of full-time degreed teachers and 19 part time employees, many of which have been with us for over 10 years. In addition, an adjunct staff is employed as instructors of music, computers, Spanish and dance. We also have both speech/language pathologists and occupational therapists available for consultation and therapy.
Our philosophy is based on Jean Piaget’s Theory that children learn best by doing. We place great importance on providing a creative atmosphere where children can generate new understandings of the world around then through active involvement with their environment. Our curriculum offers a variety of developmentally appropriate and stimulating activities that promote physical, social, emotional, creative and cognitive development. While we believe that it is important to challenge children cognitively and physically, it is equally important to assist children in developing a positive self-image in a loving and trusting environment.
Therefore, we provide activities that will foster a balance among these areas of development through large and small groups, as well as individualized attention. Each child is unique so our program is structured to meet varying needs of the each child.
We feel very strongly that staff and families must work together to provide for optimal development of the children. We believe that daily contact with families to share information not only helps us learn more about the child, but it helps to develop a sense of trust for the parent and child. This is also supported through our multiple, "Goal Sharing Conferences" throughout the year.
We strive everyday to provide the highest quality program for young children and their families. Careful attention to small details by our staff means that your child is being well cared for by someone who thinks that they are as special as you do.