ABOUT US
LEARN ABOUT OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
History and Structure of the Center
The Children’s Center of Lexington, Inc. opened in 1971. It is a non-profit corporation with tax-exempt status. The Center is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to serve up to 70 children daily, ranging from fifteen-month-old toddlers to 5-year-olds in a pre-kindergarten program.
Child-Centered Community
The Children’s Center of Lexington is an early education and care center that provides a
full preschool curriculum along with extended care. Children come to the Center for many reasons. For some, the Center provides their first opportunity for peer group interaction. For others, it provides a comfortable extended family situation during their parent’s working day. For all, the Center provides a warm, stimulating, child-centered environment. It is a place where children and teachers interact constructively with enough flexibility to allow each child to grow at his/her own pace.
Play-Based Learning
Since the needs of each child vary tremendously, goals are individually set. Teachers try to challenge - but not to push - each child to his/her own next step of learning and development. Opportunities for dramatic play, cooking, group time, movement, blocks, reading, science, manipulative materials, arts, painting, dress-up, puzzles, field trips, outdoor play, etc. are provided. The children are allowed to concentrate on the activities that truly interest them.
To the uninitiated, it may appear that the children are “just playing”, but their play includes a wealth of opportunities for growth. Picture a two-year-old learning to share and respect the feelings of others, a three-year-old completing a “hard puzzle,” a beaming four-year-old who has just written his name, a five-year-old painting a ship she made - these are learning moments that occur every day. Social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth is encouraged. Above all, we aim for children to feel good about themselves and comfortable with each other.
Our classrooms maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios. This provides children with individual attention that allows them to work at their own developmental and interest levels. Children have opportunities not only to practice basic readiness skills but also to work on special projects, take field trips, and spend time outdoors. The Children’s Center is located in the heart of Downtown Lexington, we frequently take children on impromptu walking trips around the neighborhood, such as to the library, post office, police or fire station, a neighborhood playground, a local store or along the bike path.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Children’s Center: to provide high-quality education and childcare for young children, in collaboration with their parents, in a community-based program that encourages and supports diversity.
CCL is proud to welcome and celebrate all families.
The program is available to all families regardless of race, religion, color, ethnic or national background, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Center Hours and Child Schedules
While our primary concern will always be with the children, we also strive to meet the varied needs of the parents. CCL is a 12-month program, open five days a week, 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Our school year begins in September and ends in August. We close on legal holidays, five days at the end of summer to prepare for a new year, and a few additional days, which are noted on the yearly calendar. We are not a drop-in service. Schedules must be arranged in a way that will provide continuity and consistency for each child.
Our Classrooms
| Classroom | Our Teacher to Child Ratios | Typical Age Range At Start of School Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Room | 1:3 | 15-24 months |
| Green Room | 1:3 | 2-2.5 years |
| Yellow Room | 1:3 | 2.6-2.9 years |
| Blue Room | 1:5 | 3-4 years |
| Purple Room | 1:5 | 3-4 years |
| Rainbow Room | 1:7 | 4-5 years |