Our Program:
The UNM Children’s Campus (UNMC) provides a developmentally appropriate experience for your child. We have a curriculum that recognizes the equal importance and critical interrelationships of social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth. Our program supports children’s learning through a play based environment and activities that encourage the development of concepts that are crucial for academic learning.
While some of the activities available to your child are teacher initiated, all of these are elective for your child. Your child will initiate many of his/her learning experiences at the Children’s Campus. We provide children with a rich social and material learning environment with the confidence that children will pursue their own learning objectives. The role of teachers is to clarify the choices available to children, give them guidance in choosing when necessary and to facilitate children’s accomplishments of their own learning objectives.
Throughout the program we implement anti-bias practices. We recognize and celebrate differences in culture, gender, family form and ability. We support every child’s identity and address children’s occasional biased behaviors and statements in the context in which they occur.
Our PreK Program is a grant funded program that is available for eligible four (4) year olds. This program has a number of different options including a morning session, an afternoon session, and an extended day services program. The UNMCC also offers a variety of “wrap-around” care services based on availability. Please contact the UNMCC directly at (505) 277-3365 for additional information.
Our Philosophy:
The UNMCC believes children learn best through:
- Constructive, guided, and trustful interactions and relationships with their teachers
- Teacher and family collaboration where the family is viewed as a partner and engaged in their child’s learning
- Teacher and family communication where the families perspective is validated
- Respect of each child and family’s language, culture, individuality, and personal circumstances
- Family involvement in the program
- Hands-on activities and play-inside and outside
- Teachers that facilitate their engagement, expand their experiences and challenge and stimulate them
- Music, movement, and fantasy play
- Real life experiences such as field-trips, walks, and visitors
- An environment that offers opportunities and choices that build independence
- A child-centered environment in which the children have ownership and responsibility
- A safe environment provided by consistency and predictability of routines and boundaries
- Open-ended questions
- A staff that respects and understands the different ways in which children develop
- Family-style dining, which encourages language, social awareness and fine motor skills
