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Who we are:
The Children's Campus at RVCC was established in 1975 to provide quality care to young children. Today the program continues to fulfill this mission by providing care for children three months through pre-kindergarten in developmentally appropriate settings. The center is open from 7:30 AM till 6 PM, Monday through Friday, twelve months a year.
What We Do:
The curriculum and learning environment are structured to provide stimulating and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children. Daily schedules and routines are planned with each child's age and stage of development in mind. Classrooms allow for small and large group peer interaction, as well as group and individual teacher-directed activities. The Children's Campus offers a full preschool experience with a wide range of learning opportunities that promote cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth. Science, art, cooking, music, movement, sensory exploration, building and dramatic play activities are planned throughout the day to foster language, literacy and math skills. Outdoor play or gross motor activities are part of each day. Children are provided morning and/or afternoon snacks. Children bring lunch from home and have a naptime and rest in the afternoon.
Where we are:
The Children's Campus is located off Parking Lot #4 on the RVCC campus, 118 Lamington Road, North Branch. The specially designed building includes five classrooms, a kitchen, teachers workroom and administrative office. There are two enclosed playgrounds attached to the facility. As part of the larger college community, the children are able to take walking trips on campus, as well as field trips to the Planetarium and the Theatre.
Our Teachers:
Each class is under the direction of a state certified head or group teacher. Head teachers are experienced, fulltime teachers, who have earned appropriate college degrees and state certification. Group and assistant teachers are part time employees placed in the classroom on a regular and consistent basis. RVCC students enrolled in a co-op experience for college credit or students fulfilling service learning requirements are assigned to classes as needed. All staff is subject to the same thorough pre-employment process as required by the State of New Jersey.
Our Children:
Enrollment is open to children of RVCC students, faculty and staff. Children from the surrounding communities are accepted when space is available. Part or fulltime enrollment is accepted on a monthly basis. Occasional drop-in care is available as space permits to regularly enrolled children.
Children are assigned to the following age-appropriate classes:
Class Adult:Child Ratio
(State mandated)
Nursery I (age three through twelvemonths) 1:4
Nursery II (age one to twoyears) 1:4
Moon Room (age two to threeyears) 1:6
Star Room (age three to fouryears) 1:10
Sun Room(pre-kindergarten) 1:12
Our Director:
The Children’s Campus is under the direction of Cathy B. Griffin, who has over thirty years of experience as an educator, trainer and director in early childhood, elementary and special education settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Psychology and Development, and a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education. She continues to do post graduate work in early language and literacy development.
Our Assistant Director:
Jill Accomando, after four years as a head teacher at The Children’s Campus, serves as the assistant director and coordinator of the infant, toddler and two’s programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Education, and brings to the Children’s Campus over 16 years of teaching and directing experience with infants and toddlers, and their families.
updated 08.20.09 by KKO