East
Central Tech's Child Development Center provides childcare for
children beginning at twelve months of age that are eating independently and walking. The center
offers a courteous, friendly, and caring staff to assist with
childcare needs. Our goal is to provide a safe, secure
learning environment in which children learn through hands-on,
age-appropriate activities. The Center staff is devoted to
helping the child achieve his/her full potential.
The Child Development Center is located on the Ben Hill-Irwin
campus and is open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. for both day
and evening students. Nutritious meals and healthy snacks are
served daily.
Toddlers
The unique world of toddlers revolves around exploration and
discovery. As speech, mobility, and curiosity emerge, the
environment supports active learning with loving guidance from
attentive caregivers. Quiet times provide the necessary rest
to promote optimum learning. A variety of areas and materials
are available for personal exploration to build both body and
mind.
Two-Year-Olds
Learning through play and exploration guides the activities of
the two-year-old. While classrooms operate on an established
and comfortable routine, activities to stimulate and encourage
the young learner are provided. Well-defined areas for
dramatic play, art, blocks, and reading offer a variety of
learning opportunities
Preschoolers (3- and 4-year olds)
Making choices leads the preschooler to develop thinking and
decision-making skills needed for a lifetime of learning.
Areas of interest in the classroom include
housekeeping/dramatic play, music and art, math/manipulatives,
language and reading, as well as many opportunities to build
motor skills and coordination. Rest periods continue to be an
important part of the young child's day.
Pre-Kindergarten
The ECTC Pre-K program is a part of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning – Bright from the Start lottery funded Pre-K program. Two classes provide an excellent early learning opportunity free of charge to 38 children. Children must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year to be eligible for enrollment. Registration begins in January on a first come, first served basis for the upcoming school year.
After-School Program
The Center provides an after-school program for both Ben Hill and Irwin Counties. School system buses transport children from kindergarten through fifth grade for the after-school program. Full-time holiday and summer programs are also available.
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Respectful Discipline
Self-control is an important ingredient for a
successful life. Guiding children to a better understanding of
appropriate behavior is our goal. No form of corporal or
physical punishment is allowed. Positive intervention in
situations strengthens self-awareness and confidence.
Inappropriate actions can usually be managed through
redirecting the child to a more appropriate activity.
Parental Involvement
Parent involvement is a vital component for our center. We
encourage communication between parents and center
personnel. Drop-off and pick-up are important times for
sharing information. Visits from parents are encouraged to
view their child in his/her classroom. Our goal is to
provide a friendly, open environment where parents and
children feel welcome and valued.
Department of Family and
Children’s Services
Your local DFCS may have childcare funds available. You do
not have to
receive any other service from the DFCS office to be
eligible for these childcare funds. You may pick up an
application for certification at your local DFCS office.
If you are eligible for this service, ECTC will bill your
local DFCS office monthly for payment.
Workforce Investment Act
Child care funds may be available from the Workforce
Investment Act (WIA). If you are receiving WIA funds or
are WIA eligible, childcare funds may be available to you.
A WIA representative can be reached in Tifton at
229-386-7461. If you would like further information about
the Workforce Investment Act, ECTC’s WIA representative is
on campus several days a week. Please contact your career
planner or the financial aid office for dates and times. |
