Mathilda Geppert Infant Program

We happily accept infants ranging from ages six weeks to 14 months. With a staff-to-child ratio of four to one, the Children's Center is the perfect place for intimate care of your child. The program is run by qualified and experienced teachers who are supported by USD student childcare assistants.

Parents of infants can expect:

• Staff members trained in current educational practices
• Monthly lesson plans
• Creative curriculum which fosters the development of basic trust, language development through use of music and conversation, as well as the promotion of learning through the senses
• Daily communication sheet of infant's daily routine and activities

We believe that infancy is vital to the growth and development of all human beings, which is why we will strive to excel and go above the expectations to ensure that you, and your child, have an amazing experience while using our services.

Mathilda Geppert Toddler Program

We are pleased to care for your toddler, ranging from ages 12 to 36 months. The toddler program is housed in three classrooms with each classroom being directed by an experienced teacher with the support of USD student child care assistants.

Parents of toddlers can expect:

• A 5:1 staff-to-child ratio
• Staff members trained in current educational practices
• Monthly lesson plans
• Creative curriculum which encourages toddlers to use all of their senses of discovery to master and integrate skills and language, learn new activities and use new materials, focus on learning through active play and interaction
• Family-style meals
• Fenced, outdoor playground designed for toddlers

Special care is placed on modeling social awareness and to acknowledge and respect emotions. At the Vucurevich Children's Center, toddler-aged children learn to make new friends and begin the process of separation.

Matousek Preschool Program

The preschool program is designed to meet the needs of children between the ages of 3 to 5. With a full-time teacher as well as qualified teaching assistants, children will take part in weekly themes. Each day's schedule includes self-selected activities, large and small group activities, learning centers and outdoor time.

Using the services the Vucurevich Children's Center has to offer, parents of preschoolers can expect:

• 10:1 staff-to-child ratio
• Staff members familiar with current educational practices
• Weekly lesson plans promoting play requiring the use of all five senses and a style of play that promotes math, social skills, music, art, outdoor play, character-building and more
• Parent-teacher conferences twice a year
• Outdoor playground area designed for preschool-aged children
• Full-day, full-year and half-day Head Start programming

The preschool program encourages community within each child, developing critical thinking and dialog in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the world and each other in the world.

Parent Partnership Program

The Parent Partnership Program is designed to encourage collaboration between parents and guardians and the Children's Center through the following:

• Regular meetings where child care is provided
• Goal-setting and program enhancements through family/school parent involvement
• Communication between parents and center staff
• Connections to other parents at the center
• Parent training in conjunction with staff member training
• Partnership with the Head Start Program to enhance resources offered to parents

Vucurevich Children's Center Curriculum

The Vucurevich Children's Center follows the guidelines presented in the publications:

• The Creative Curriculum
• The Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers
• Second Step Social Emotional Curriculum for Preschoolers
• The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
• The SD Early Learning Guidelines

Examples of the curriculum focused in these references are available to you at any time.

At the Vucurevich Children's Center, we believe:

• Young children learn through active play. Play is the most complete of all educational processes and is the work of childhood. Play is the means by which children learn, explore and understand the world, all while experiencing great pleasure.
• Concepts are developed, along with background information, as teachers plan activities to capitalize on children's innate curiosity and interest.
• In an environment of play, children begin to take their first steps in the mental operation of symbolic thought. Children will test new ideas and practice new skills.
• Concrete, hands-on manipulation of objects is the best way for children to learn about their environment and their relationship with the everyday world.
• Young children learn through their senses. Through opportunities to touch, taste, hear and see, children can explore and understand their world.
• Young children learn through talking with other children. Through language, children attend to aspects of the experience, reflect on them and express them in some way.
• Children depend on routine for comfort and predictability in the passage of their day. When young children feel secure, they can then gain independence and self-confidence within their environment.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1.     mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2.     fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3.     email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.