SPCC provides developmentally appropriate learning experiences and care, in a safe, nurturing, engaging, and interactive environment. The environment and guidance from teachers fosters positive growth and development. Teaches collaborate with parents to create an inclusive atmosphere, develop strong relationships with families, creating a community of advocates for children, early childhood learning, and early childhood educators.

 The classroom environments we offer help to build a strong self-esteem through positive interactions, and encouraging individuality. Teachers offer learning experiences that challenge young minds, as well as set them up with opportunities for success. Respect of one’s self and others is a core value at SPCC, and we celebrate individuality of all persons regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation or religion.

Exceptionally High Standards

SPCC teachers are experienced professionals passionate about the field of early childhood education. SPCC uses the Parent Aware approved, researched based Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies as a guide. Teachers design and implement curriculum infused with art in order to help build confident learners through self-discovery, develop social/emotional skills through learning to express one’s self in many positive proactive ways,  develop cognitive learning and problem solving skills through the abstract thinking processes stimulated during arts intensive projects. Our teachers also value early literacy and exposure to music, and other languages.

 Several enrichment programs are offered including: Stretch-N-Grow, Spanish, and Little Artists. Parent-teacher conferences are held bi-annually, or more often upon request.

Communication to Families

Parent communication and involvement are an integral part of our program. We encourage parents to be active and participate in our program and use parent feedback as a tool for growth and success in our program. Teachers use a variety of methods to communicate with parents; including: daily verbal communication, daily notes, emails, conferences and newsletters. The center's administration is also dedicated to making connections with families and staying involved in classrooms. The center sends out weekly emails to parents, monthly newsletters and holds center wide family events. We have a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) consisting of a collaboration between teachers, administration and parents that meets bi-monthly for open forum discussions. PAC is open to all parents and parents who choose to participate are not obligated to come to any specified number of meetings.

Low Teacher to Child Ratios

At SPCC we are dedicated to providing an engaging environment that is nurturing, fosters development and filled with meaningful experiences for young children. In order to provide these things we strive to maintain teacher to child ratios that go above and beyond state requirements. We try to keep our infant program at a ratio of 1:3 as much as possible, our Little Angels program at a 1:4 and our older toddler program at a 1:5 as much as possible. In our preschool classes (D and X) we try to maintain a 1:8 ratio as often as possible.

Qualities Unique to SPCC

One unique aspect of SPCC is that we have been open for thirty-nine years! We have a low teacher turnover, 57% of our staff have been with us for longer than four years. 55% of our staff have four year degrees, while some staff have two year degrees, or are current students or have many years of experience and training.  All staff are trained in CPR and 1st Aid. The center also offers all teachers many training experiences throughout the year to stay current with new standards of developmentally appropriate practices and research. We have spacious classrooms full of natural light shining in from large windows. We also have a superb large muscle area that is referred to as the "Great Hall," so that through rain or freezing temperatures our children always have an opportunity to run, jump, climb and explore beyond the boundaries of their classroom. We have a beautiful playground facing the historic Summit Avenue that includes a whimsical playhouse and a child-oriented gardening project. Our location, in the heart of the Grand Avenue business district allows for classes to take scenic walks to nearby parks, go on walking field trips to places like the Stepping Stone Theater, or visit the Grand Ol' Creamery for an ice cream cone in the summer!

Perhaps the most unique and most well regarded quality SPCC offers a family is the strong sense of community that families feel once they become a part of this center. Many families have returned with their second and third children, to find the comfort of the same teachers; strengthening bonds and giving parents an overwhelming sense of security. Families build close connections amongst each other as their children reach milestones together and move up from room to room together. The teachers at SPCC are without question the reason why parents come back, the cultivators of the community that is fostered here, and the reason that this center has survived thirty-nine years! SPCC attracts individuals that are unique, creative, and inspiring. The teachers here refuse to simply see this field as "daycare" but view their contributions as having a profound affect on society, families, the educational system and the future. 

"While we try to teach our children all about life,                                                                 Our children teach us what life is all about." ~Angela Schwindt