Our Program
The First Congregational Learning Center program provides a balance of teacher-directed and student choice activities. Activities are taught in whole group, small group and individually. A wide variety of classroom materials engage children in exploration and discovery.
The program includes opportunities for musical expression, artistic creativity, imaginative play, and for supporting childrens' social, emotional, physical and thinking skills.
In addition to their regular classroom opportunities, children have the chance to participate in various music, physical education, and science enrichment experiences led by trained professionals.
The program includes opportunities for musical expression, artistic creativity, imaginative play, and for supporting childrens' social, emotional, physical and thinking skills.
In addition to their regular classroom opportunities, children have the chance to participate in various music, physical education, and science enrichment experiences led by trained professionals.
Classrooms
Infant - 6 weeks to 15 monthsOur infant room uses the seasons to introduce the children to new experiences through creative and developmentally appropriate activities. These experiences encourage each child to develop at their current developmental stage.
1:4 teacher/student ratio. |
Toddler - 15 months to 24 monthsThe toddler classroom implements this curriculum by having conversations during play and meals to understand the classroom's overall awareness of topics. When the teachers web and plan they are able to support the children in understanding the world around them. This is done by introducing vocabulary and activities that encourage their development and learning style.
1:5 teacher/student ratio |
The preschool classroom teachers are able to foster the children’s curiosities and their own questions about the world. The teachers web information the children know and through relevant activities they challenge their development and learning. Topics in the preschool rooms can be short lived at times if interest is low. However, there are times the children’s interest is high and the topic can be expanded over weeks at a time.
Nutrition
All meals are prepared by our on-site chef. Meals provided are: mid-morning snack, lunch and a mid-afternoon snack. Menu options vary from day to day and follow the DCFS nutritional guidelines. Per DCFS regulations, all food must be provided by FCLC (with the exception of infants). Children with food allergies have specific DCFS regulations and the director will work with the family regarding these circumstances.
Beverages are as follows:
Beverages are as follows:
- Breastmilk or formula (provided by parent in prepared bottles)
- Whole milk for children ages 1-2 years
- 1% milk for children ages 2-5
- Water
All meals are prepared by our on-site chef. Meals provided are morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. Meal/snacks are nutritional and will vary from day to day, featuring seasonal changes. Example: