Child Care

Placement in the CDC is on a first-come, first-serve basis each semester. Currently registered families receive priority for the following semester. A continuous enrollment option is also available. We typically have a waitlist started a few months before each semester so early registration is recommended.

Procedure for Enrollment

• Schedule a tour of the Center by calling 303.797.5678
• On-site tour of the Center and Enrollment interview / orientation
• Identification and discussion of the child’s needs including a health plan and Individual Family Service Plan or Individual Education plan when appropriate
• Completion of in-take forms including verification Parent / Guardian Handbook has been read
• Payment of registration fee / child
• After child placement has been made in a classroom, a contract will be signed and registration fee is required to guarantee the spot

The Center will be closed anytime Arapahoe Community College is closed due to severe weather or emergency. If the College decides to close, a notice will be made on our Announcements line (303.797.4222), via employee voicemail and on our website. We also notify local radio and TV stations. 

Located within the North Building, your child will be safe with secured access to both the building and classrooms. The newly renovated center will include a total of 5 classrooms serving children ages 18 months to Pre-K each with bathroom access, touchless children’s sinks, well equipped learning centers, and observation rooms for parent and student use. Children can enjoy the outdoors on one of two playgrounds, both with climbing equipment, tricycles, sand boxes, and access to garden/herb areas, grass and shady trees. If the weather is not conducive for outdoor play, children can stretch their muscles and engage in activities in the indoor gym/activity room. Our facility also includes a kitchen prep area, staff lounge and work area, administrative offices, the Early Childhood Education department, and two adult learning classrooms. Child Care drop-off parking spots are conveniently located in Lot B in front of our entrance on the East side of the building.

The Child Development Center teachers are highly qualified, caring individuals who enjoy children and are dedicated early childhood education professionals. In addition to employing teachers with the State of Colorado Early Childhood Teacher Certification, the Center also provides placement for ACC Early Childhood Education students and interns.

The classroom teachers meet weekly to plan, problem solve and communicate ideas and feelings. Routinely, the entire staff meets to discuss the program and activities and share ideas regarding children. These meetings are also used for training purposes.

As per licensing standards, all teachers are required to complete 15 hours of professional development per year. The Center is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the local Colorado affiliate which offers workshops and seminars that teachers are encouraged to attend.

Teachers have been trained in Universal Precautions, Pediatric CPR and First Aid, and Medication Administration. All staff has passed background checks.

The Child Development Center participates in the Colorado Adult Child Food Program. There is no separate charge for meals, which include breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. The food program follows USDA guidelines for serving size and preparation. Meals are served family style with a teacher at each table. Children are encouraged to serve themselves and taste all food items. Good manners and polite behavior are always encouraged. Weekly menus are posted on the parent board in each classroom for your view.

Morning Snack: 9:00am
Lunch: 12:00pm
Afternoon Snack: 3:00pm

Goal

The goal of Arapahoe Community College Child Development Center is to provide children with a nurturing environment in which they have the opportunity to develop their problem solving skills, learn to interact with their peers, and develop a strong educational base on which to build upon.

The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is an award-winning curriculum for preschool success. Using exploration and discovery as a way of learning, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.

Child Care Tuition stipends are funded by private foundations, fundraising profits, and other donations. The Childcare tuition stipend was established to subsidize childcare tuition expenses for low-income students at the Arapahoe Community College Child Development Center. Applications are available at the center and are du mid-July for the following academic year. Stipends are awarded for the Fall and Spring semesters and cover between 25-50% of tuition costs. In order to be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Financial need (document thru FAFSA)
• Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester, 3 credit hours in the summer.
• Possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Completed application, copy of transcripts, copy of enrollment and essay

Only one stipend per family, (unless additional funds are available) recipients are responsible for any remaining child care tuition. Recipients are funded evenly for two semesters unless eligibility requirements are no longer met, your need lessens or funds become unavailable. Parent/guardian must sign a “Parent Agreement” in order to receive funding.