Child Focused

The CCLC program approach is observation and play-based, curriculum is designed to support the care and development of young children. The program is centered within the Ministry of Education's How Does Learing Happen? Ontario's Pedagogy for the Early Years. This document can be found on the  Ontario Ministry of Education website [1].  All interactions between the children and the staff occur within a warm and nurturing environment.

Family Focused

The care and development of a child cannot occur without the support of the family. As a parent, you are vital to your child’s experience at the CCLC. We encourage you to enter into a unique partnership with our RECEs and Playroom Staff.

As the CCLC is located at a place of work and study, our parents often have additional opportunities for involvement in their children’s program. Our management team, and our RECEs and Playroom Staff encourage you to spend time with your child whenever you can, at lunch time, for example, or during a field trip. Observation areas at the CCLC provide you with unique opportunities to watch your child interact with others.  You are also encouraged to serve on the CCLC Parent Advisory Council and volunteer in other ways as your personal time and the CCLC’s needs permit.

Student Focused

Consistent with the University’s mission to promote life-long learning, the CCLC provides many opportunities for students in various courses, on and off campus, to obtain practical field experience.

The CCLC students and volunteers are placed in a particular program based on a number of considerations.  We look at the children in the group and determine how much additional help will be required to meet the children’s needs. At the CCLC, we consider the age of the children as well as the needs and requirements of the students or volunteers.  Primary RECEs and Playroom Staff are always consulted about their willingness to take on a particular student.  We work hard to balance the number of additional people in any one playroom. We are especially careful with the Toddler programs, as we know that too many faces can unsettle the children.

If your child’s group has students and/or volunteers, information about them will be posted in your child’s program area. 

Staff Focused

The CCLC operates with a team of staff that includes not only the RECEs and Playroom Staff, but also the management team including the Director and Supervisor, administrative staff, and kitchen staff.  You and your child will interact with the RECEs and Playroom Staff on a daily basis. They plan and carry out the programs in the playrooms with the help of fellow RECEs, students and volunteers.  You will also see the administrative staff on a regular basis, for example, when you pay fees, ask where to direct a question or call in to report that your child will be away or late.  The kitchen staff provide your child with wholesome and nutritious foods. Finally, the Director and Supervisor form a management team that provides a constant link between the governing bodies of the University of Guelph, and the CCLC.