Childcare

Model of Care

Our model of care incorporates the use of child care practices in a structured learning environment. Staff members are highly trained professionals focused on teaching age-appropriate academic, social and life skills – ultimately striving for each child to be successful at home, at school and in the community.

Family Component

Parental involvement is one of the requirements for children participating in the childcare program at Nebraska Children’s Home Society. Staff encourages parents and caregivers to enhance their child’s Early Childhood Services experience by attending regular progress meetings and offering an opportunity to preview upcoming activities.

Curriculum

A curriculum is a plan for learning. Our program includes a hands-on approach to learning where the child develops independence, self-confidence, and the ability to make decisions by featuring many hands-on activities and learning centers.

At Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s Early Childhood Services Program, children learn basic concepts that will prepare them for kindergarten and life in general. We provide an open and understanding environment using a discovery approach to teaching and learning. Children develop a positive self-image and experience personal success in social and cognitive learning situations.

Work Time

During work time children are actively working with learning centers where they develop cognitive and fine motor skills through four components:

• literacy
• mathematics
• science
• social studies

Children learn to make decisions during work time as they decide what work they will do and when their work is finished. Returning their work to the center teaches them to take care of their environment. This concept puts the children in charge, makes them responsible, and builds their self-esteem. All centers have a specific educational concept, and have extensions that increase in difficulty as the child progresses.

Kindergarten Readiness

All kindergarten readiness skills are introduced including letters, numbers, colors, & shapes, and are advanced during work time, as the child is ready to progress. Detailed lesson plans are provided by the teachers and are used during the morning and afternoon group experiences called line time. During line time the teacher discusses the daily topic, sings songs and reads literature.