Program Information
 "No
one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness, and generosity
hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should
be to unlock that treasure. " - Ellen Goldman
Statement of Purpose
The UMass Boston Early Learning Center was established in September
of 1972 to provide quality care for children of University students, staff
and faculty. As part of the community service mandate of the University,
the center also offers care to families from Harbor Point and the surrounding
community.
Located in the Community Center of the Harbor Point Housing Development,
the center is a department of the Division of Student Affairs. The center’s
Director reports directly to the Dean of Students, who in turn reports
to the Chancellor of the University.
The Early Learning Center is licensed by the Massachusetts Office of
Child Care Services to provide care and education for 13 children between
the ages of 15 and 33 months (Toddlers), 32 children between the ages
of 2 years nine months and 5 years old (Preschool), and 16 children between
the ages of 4 years six months and 6 years old (Pre-K/Kindergarten). The
center enrolls children and provides services to families without regard
to their race, religion, gender, cultural heritage, political beliefs,
parent(s)’ marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, or
disability.
Philosophy
The program at the UMass Boston Early Learning Center provides a welcoming,
nurturing, educational environment where children learn to trust others
and form significant relationships with their teachers and peers. Young
children are just beginning to understand who they are in the world and
how they fit in. Our program gives children many opportunities to discover
the world around them and actively participate in their own learning.
The development of self-esteem is one of our fundamental goals. In a
predictable, secure environment, children grow to view themselves as important
and competent individuals. We encourage them to make choices and decisions
and to pursue their own interests. We allow them to play alone or participate
in a group. We strive to provide a structure which will maximize success
and minimize frustration, allowing children the space and time they need
to explore, create, and learn at their own pace and in their own way.
We view each child as unique and special.
We offer an environment where there is joy in discovery and where creativity
is supported in all realms … whether it be a creative way to solve
a problem, a beautiful art project, or an original story or song.
Self-expression is encouraged in many ways. Children are taught to identify
their feelings, whether they are good or bad, and are given the skills
to express those feelings in appropriate and productive ways. We help
children learn to resolve conflicts in positive ways through words and
actions. While we value individuality and celebrate our diversity, we
also believe that it is important to maintain a strong sense of community
and work hard to balance the needs of individuals with the needs of the
group. In doing so, we teach children to appreciate, respect, and accept
each other’s differences.
Most of all, we want children to have fun … to love coming to school
each day!
We value and encourage parent participation in center life. It is our
goal to incorporate family traditions and culture into all aspects of
our program. Above all, we hope to support you, as parent(s), in achieving
your dreams for your child.Our Teaching Staff
The center is run by a team of dedicated, experienced, early childhood
professionals. Many have been teaching in the program for more than 15
years. Full-time teachers are certified by the Office of Child Care Services
and/or the Department of Education. Our support staff consists of part-time
tutors and assistant teachers, many of whom are UMB students. In addition
to meeting state certification requirements, each staff member must be
certified in CPR and first aid, and must pass a background check and bi-annual
health screening.
We believe that learning is a life-long process, for adults as well as
children. Our teachers are offered continual opportunities to further
their education and improve their teaching skills. We offer in-service
training at the center and encourage teachers to participate in workshops
and seminars in the community. In addition, we are fortunate to have access
to the many wonderful courses and programs provided on the UMass Boston
campus.
Our Teaching Staff
The center is run by a team of dedicated, experienced, early childhood
professionals. Many have been teaching in the program for more than 15
years. Full-time teachers are certified by the Office of Child Care Services
and/or the Department of Education. Our support staff consists of part-time
tutors and assistant teachers, many of whom are UMB students. In addition
to meeting state certification requirements, each staff member must be
certified in CPR and first aid, and must pass a background check and bi-annual
health screening.
We believe that learning is a life-long process, for adults as well
as children. Our teachers are offered continual opportunities to further
their education and improve their teaching skills. We offer in-service
training at the center and encourage teachers to participate in workshops
and seminars in the community. In addition, we are fortunate to have access
to the many wonderful courses and programs provided on the UMass Boston
campus.
meet our staff
Learning More About the Program
After receiving information about the program, or upon request, parents
may schedule a visit to tour the center and learn more about the program’s
philosophy and goals. Although parents of children who are enrolled may
stop by at any time, visitors are encouraged to schedule an appointment
to ensure that someone will be available to meet with them. Children are
welcome to visit with their
parents at this time.
contact
us
Waiting List
There is a waiting list for admission to the Early Learning Center. Parents
may choose to place their child’s name on the waiting list by submitting
a completed wait list application indicating their desired admission date
and schedule preference. No deposit is required at this time. A center
administrator will check with you periodically to update you on the status
of your request. You may choose to have your child’s name removed
from the waiting list at any time.
Although our primary commitment is to UMass Boston students, we also
serve UMass Boston
faculty and staff, and residents of the Harbor Point Housing Development.
Enrollment
The Early Learning Center provides service to children whose parents
are affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Boston or those who
are residents of the Harbor Point Housing Development. Parents will be
required to provide verification of their affiliation twice each year.
Any change of status or affiliation must be reported within 30 days, including
verification of affiliation. Enrollment will continue only as long as
parents are members of the UMass Boston Community or are residents of
Harbor Point. Failure to provide accurate, timely information will result
in termination of enrollment. apply
now
Children will be admitted to the center only after all required forms
are completed and parent(s) have met with the Administrative Assistant
and/or Director. These forms include:
- Enrollment Application
- School Health Form which includes, a current immunization record,
evidence of a physical exam within 12 months prior to date of enrollment,
and results of lead screening
- Tuition Agreement
- Verification of affiliation with UMass Boston and/or residency at
Harbor Point
- Developmental History
- Bureau of Nutrition Information Form
Emergency contacts must be someone familiar to the child, easily reached
and able to respond in the parent’s absence. Children will be released
only to those persons listed on the enrollment application and/or emergency
cards. The individuals must be 16 years or older and must provide a current
photo identification when picking up a child.
Parent(s) are responsible for making sure that all information is kept
current. Any changes of address, phone numbers, or family income should
be reported to your child’s teacher and/or the office immediately.
All forms are updated twice per year.
Enrollment of Children with Disabilities
If your child has an identified special need, the Director may request
that you provide additional information from your school district, early
intervention program, or other health service providers who have worked
with your child.
The Director will meet with you to review the information and identify
any accommodations, such as modifications to group size, child/staff ratios,
or adaptive equipment. The Director will then consider the nature and
cost of these accommodations, whether suitable funding is available, the
effect of the accommodations on the center’s resources, and any other
impact to the program. Accommodations related to toilet training will
not be considered an undue burden. This process will be completed within
30 days.
If the necessary accommodations are reasonable, your child will be accepted
and the center will work with your family and other service providers
who are involved to develop an individualized plan that incorporates the
center’s services. The Director will be the designated liaison for
any child with an identified special need.
If the accommodations represent an undue burden to the center, your child
will not be enrolled, and you will receive a detailed, written explanation
which includes appeal procedures.
Children’s Schedules
Children may be enrolled full time (5 days, Monday–Friday); or part
time (either 3 full days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; or 2 full days:
Tuesday and Thursday). Children enrolled in the Kindergarten program must
attend full time.
Transitions to a new classroom generally take place between June and
September. A mid-year transition may occur as space allows, based on the
age and developmental readiness of the child. Parents will be consulted
prior to any classroom change and will be given an opportunity to meet
with the teachers in the new classroom. Teachers from both rooms will
then establish a plan to help the child adjust to the new group.
Children who are new to the center will also be given time to adjust
to their new environment. Once enrollment has been verified and all forms
have been completed, a transition plan will be written. Children will
attend for 1 hour with or without a parent present on the first day. The
next day will involve attending for a 3-hour visit without a parent. Children
may attend according to their regular schedule upon completion of their
transition visits. All children respond differently to new situations,
so additional time can be arranged if needed.
As the program operates year round, we cannot guarantee placement in
the fall if a child is withdrawn for the summer.
Tuition
Fees
The community rate for toddlers is $48.00 per day. The rate for preschool
and kindergarten is $38.00 per day. This fee is subject to change with
30 days prior notification.
When applicable and as space permits, this fee may be subsidized by any
of the following:
- Income-Based Sliding Fee Scale
- UMass Boston Student Scholarship
- Office of Child Care Services Contract
- Child Care Voucher
- Boston Public Schools / Community Partnership Scholarship
All parents must sign a fee agreement and present verification of family
income in order to qualify for tuition subsidies. UMB students must also
present verification of enrollment from the Registrar’s Office. Additional
documentation, such as verification of Harbor Point residency, social
security numbers, and children’s birth certificates, may also be
required. These requirements are determined by the funding source and
will be explained to you at the time of enrollment.
Changes in family income must be reported within one month. Failure to
provide accurate and timely information may result in disqualification
for scholarships or subsidies. It may also result in termination of a
child’s enrollment.
Tuition Deposit
An initial fee, equal to two weeks of tuition, is required to secure
placement. This deposit will be applied to your final payment when you
withdraw your child from the program. We require written notification
two weeks prior to the date you plan to withdraw your child. Full tuition
will be charged for this two-week period even if you fail to provide adequate
notice.
Billing
Monthly bills will be given to parents at the end of each month for the
following month of care. If you have not received an invoice by the first
day of the month, please notify the office. There are no deductions for
sick days, holidays, vacations, semester breaks, or emergency closings.
Payments
Payments are due by the fifth of each month. Arrangements can be made
for weekly payments
but they must be made prior to the week of care. Payments can be made
by check or money order at the center. Please be sure to provide complete
information on the check or money order. A locked mailbox is located on
the Administrative Assistant’s Office door to provide a secure place
to deposit tuition payments. Cash payments must be made at the UMB Bursar’s
office which is located on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building.
There is a $10 charge for each returned check. If two checks are returned
to us, only a cash receipt or money order will be accepted for future
tuition payments.
If payment is not received by the due date, a notice of termination will
be placed in your child’s cubby. If the tuition balance is not paid
by the specified date, we cannot continue to provide care for your child.
Chronic late payments (receipt of 5 notices within a year) will also be
considered grounds for termination of enrollment. Under certain circumstances,
payment agreements can be made with the office. Failure to abide by the
terms of the agreement, however, will result in termination from the program.
Attendance
Please notify us if your child is going to be absent for the day. The
center’s phone number is (617) 287-6195. Messages can be left on
voice mail if necessary. If we do not hear from you and you do not arrive
by 9:30 am, your child’s absence will be marked unexcused. You will
still be responsible for payment even on days when your child does not
attend, whether the absence is excused or unexcused.
If your child is absent for more than 3 unexcused and/or 10 excused days
within the month, your child’s placement may be in jeopardy. Of course,
extenuating circumstances will be considered. Please keep us informed.
Arrival
The center opens each weekday at 7:30 am. All children must be escorted
to and from the classroom by an adult or designated caretaker who is at
least 16 years old. Parents should allow enough time to assist their children
in hanging up their coats and bringing them into the classroom.
The morning is one of the best times in any classroom. Children and teachers
are refreshed, energetic, and ready to learn and play. The morning schedule
includes many important learning experiences which have been carefully
planned by the classroom teachers. These include activity time, group
time, choice time, and storytelling.
The schedule in each classroom allows 2 hours in the morning for arrival
from 7:30 am – 9:30 am, after which time group activities are in
full swing. The relaxed pace of the early morning gives children time
to socialize, eat breakfast with their friends and also gives teachers
a chance to greet each child and speak with parents. Parents are asked
to respect this time period by arriving each day before 9:30 am. After
this time, children will be marked absent for the day and will not be
allowed into the classroom unless prior arrangements have been made with
your child’s teachers.
Departure
The center closes at 5:30 pm. Parents should make the staff aware that
their child is leaving. An adult, or designated caregiver must accompany
their child at all times. Please do not allow your child to run into a
classroom or into the center to pick up their belongings without you.
If someone other than persons on the authorized list is to pick up your
child, a written, signed note should be given to your child’s teacher
upon arrival.
Late Pick-up
The center is not able to provide care past 5:30 pm. It is very difficult
for children who are left at the center late. They worry about their parents
and become concerned about being the only child remaining. Please be considerate
and arrive on time. Teachers have worked a long day and are anxious to
get home to their families too. If a late pick-up is unavoidable, a phone
call is very important!
In the event that you do arrive past 5:30 pm, you will be charged a late
fee regardless of the reason for your late arrival. This fee must be paid
in cash, within two working days, to the teachers who have stayed late.
Chronic late arrival will result in termination from the program.
If we have not heard from you by 5:30 pm, emergency contacts will be
called to pick up your child. You will still be obligated to pay the late
fee. In the event that none of your emergency contacts can be reached
by 6:00 pm, we will notify the Department of Social Services.
Emergency Weather Conditions
Snow Day Policy
In the event that a snowstorm or other inclement weather presents a risk
for UMass Boston faculty, staff and students in commuting to or from the
campus, the Provost and the Chancellor will make a determination of the
appropriate campus response.
The Early Learning Center phone line (617) 287-6195 will carry a voice
mail announcement after 6:00 am which notifies the callers if the center
will be open for operations. Callers will be notified of one of two options.
1) University Closed/Classes Cancelled – in which case the Early
Learning Center will also be closed.
2) No Morning Classes – Classes will begin at 11:30 am. Snow day
personnel will report to the Early Learning Center, which will open by
10:00 am.
Early Closings
If severe weather develops during the day, when children are in attendance,
all parents need to be aware that the University may announce an early
closing. If this occurs, all afternoon and evening classes will be cancelled
and offices will be closed. University affiliated parents must pick up
their children within 30 minutes of closing time. The center will reach
all other parents by phone to notify them of the closing time. If you
cannot be reached, please be aware of changes in the weather and check
in with the center as soon as possible. We want you to be able to pick
up your child and return home safely in severe weather. It is also important
to make sure that our staff can get home safely as well.
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