Urbana, IL 61802
217-344-6364
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Philosophy
We believe in providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. We strive to help children develop a positive self-image, build strong character, and achieve self-satisfaction. Our most important goal is to promote growth and development of the whole child in all areas: social, emotional, intellectual, physical, creative, and language. Our mission is to allow low-income families to become self-supporting through employment or training opportunities by providing quality care and learning experiences for their children.
Program
The program is designed to meet the developmental needs of the children and provide experiences which stimulate learning, growth, and development. The daily routine includes a balance of quiet and active movement, as well as small and large group interaction. Clear limits and positive guidance techniques are used to help the children achieve self-control. Social skills are encouraged through interaction with children and adults. The program consists of:- Free choice of interest areas - dramatic play, art materials, blocks, manipulatives, books, records, tapes, sensory activities.
- Outdoor activities - walks, wheel toys, climbers, ball play, playground activities.
- Large group activities - stories, fingerplays, music, creative movement, games.
- Planned small group activities - arts, crafts, language development games, science and cooking activities.
Other program areas:
- breakfast, a hot lunch, and a snack served daily
- 2 hour rest peiod everyday
- cooperation with the Washington Early Childhood Program through the Urbana School District
- cooperation with the University of Illinois and Parkland with student teaching opportunities
Infant/Toddler program:
- started in January 1990
- serves up to 24 children aged 6 weeks to 2 years
- infants and toddlers are viewed as unique individuals and active learners
- the main goal is to contribute to the whole child and to promote a good feeling of self in a safe, caring, and trusting environment
History
The C-U Day Care Center began in January of 1971 in the basement of the McKinley Presbyterian Foundation in Champaign. After relocating two times, the center moved to its present location in January of 1986. On July 1, 1991, the name was changed to Marilyn Queller Child Care Center in memory of Marilyn Queller who was instrumental in founding the center.Resources
- Volunteers, such as students from Volunteer Illini Projects, are important contributors to the program. A volunteer Board of Directors represents sponsoring churches (McKinley Presbyterian and Grace Lutheran), parents, and the community at large.
- Volunteers though the Love, Language, and Literacy Project read books to the children.
- The largest funding source for MQCCC is a DCFS IDHS subsidized Child Care Program, which subsidizes child care for approximately 75% of the families.
- MQCCC receives local Revenue Sharing funds to help support the program.
- We are on a Federal Food Program. The Program Assistant is responsible for menu planning/food service and has attended many training hours.
- Tuition and voluntary contributions make up the remainder of the revenue for MQCCC. Families are assessed fees on a sliding scale according to family size and income.