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Our Programs
We apply Conscious Discipline techniques to encourage respect and resolve conflicts. We provide daily reports to parents on major happenings and also significant accomplishments. We have daily schedules to establish routines, rituals and reliability. Monthly themes and lesson plans are based on curriculum that meets state standards for early learning. Weather permitting, we have daily outings to encourage play and exercise. And, we provide USDA-approved meals that are served family style.
Children are stimulated in a bright and colorful environment and they establish guiding principles that instill a love of lifelong learning.
We are open year round except major holidays.
We accept children either part time or full time, and they enjoy two nutritious meals and an afternoon snack.
Infant
(6 weeks to 12 months)
Our nurturing classroom environment features a carpeted play-pit that is designed to separate mobile from non-mobile infants. A sleeping area with half-height wall separates the sleeping babies from those who are awake, yet allows for contact supervision.
A small kitchen area provides a separate food preparation area from the rest of the center. Meals are served at the table and babies are bottle-fed in the rockers.
The infant garden outside is designed for the growing needs of infants. It promotes crawling, walking and exploring. We go outside daily, unless the weather is extreme.
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We also have a laundry facility to wash the crib sheets, bibs and washcloths used daily.
Waddler
(13-24 months)
The centers are defined with climbing equipment and shelves. The outdoor play area encourages fine and gross motor skills.
Some activities are teacher directed while others are independent. Staff conduct a short circle time each day and provide planned, daily activities relating to the monthly theme. Very basic concepts such as hot/cold, big/small, over/under are included in the curriculum.
Working together as a group is a key objective. Learning to eat together, nap on cots and participate in short, group activities are major accomplishments. Following simple verbal directions and eating independently are important self-help skills for this age group.
Toddler
(2 years)
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Twos become quite skilled at drinking from a cup, eating with a spoon (or fingers!), Sitting at a table and sleeping on a cot. Classroom activities are more socially oriented including free play on the playground. Our goal is to foster self-sufficiency and independence, to learn to follow directions, participate in routines and circle time. They are also involved in art projects, music, movement and blocks.
Art and the creation of basic color, shape, texture and number concepts are incorporated into the curriculum. Language development is a key milestone of this age group. Children are surrounded with words, pictures and activities that teach the names of objects and words that describe those items. This is the beginning of the endless string of "What????" questions where children tirelessly rely on adults as personal sources of information. The Toddler staff is ready with answers and ways to stimulate yet more questions!
Preschool I
(3 years)
Research shows that children learn best through routines. We have routines and rituals that are reliable, leaving children to feel safe in their environment. A child's brain will function optimally when they feel safe and our goal is to provide that safe environment. A day in Preschool I is more structured than in previous classrooms. There are times for whole-group activities, independent play and self-selected activities. Children prepare for Kindergarten through play and structured activities. There are playgrounds for the children to play, explore and learn about their environment!
Preschool II
(4-5 Years)
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During the school year we offer two classrooms of Jefferson County PreK. Preschool II offers PreK and wrap around care for all operating hours. Research shows that children learn best through routines. We have routines and rituals that are reliable, leaving children
to feel safe in their environment. A child's brain will function optimally when they feel safe and our goal is to provide that "safe" environment. A day in Preschool II is more structured than in previous classrooms. There are times for whole-group activities, independent play, and self-selected activities. Children prepare for Kindergarten through play and structured activities. There are playgrounds for the children to play, explore, and learn about their environment!
Before & After Care
and Summer Camp
(5-12 years)
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Our Clubhouse School Age Program offers Before and After School care during the school year and a full-time Summer Camp during the Summer. Clubhouse is generally open on inclement weather or non-school days. Children must be between the ages of 5-12 to join Clubhouse.
The Clubhouse focuses on being helpful, polite and team builders with a strong emphasis on social-emotional and cognitive skills. Each day, these skills are incorporated by working together in play and completing tasks. From dramatic play to homework to art activities we strive to provide the structured educational setting necessary for this age group. The Clubhouse staff are capable and willing to help them with these learning opportunities.
Contact Us
Heritage Child Development Center
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(540)955-4194
224 Mosby Blvd
Berryville, VA 22611
Children First Child Development Center
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(304)728-1100
95 Childrens Way
Kearneysville, WV 25430