Mission Statement
We are committed to the unified purpose of providing high quality early care and education for children of DMACC students, staff and faculty while building skills and knowledge for Early Childhood Education students through hands-on education
Philosophy
We believe children learn best when:
- They are given a variety of developmentally appropriate activities in an environment that allows for child-initiated participation together with teacher encouragement;
- They are exposed to a variety of ideas and concepts with a wide array of hands-on experiences;
- They feel safe and secure;
- They receive nutritionally balanced meals and snacks and practice good health habits;
- They are guided and directed with positive, non-punitive techniques and expectations are clear, overt and age appropriate.
Licensing
DMACC Child Development Center is a non-profit program licensed by Iowa Department of Human Services. A copy of the licensing rules is available for your review.
About DMACC Child Development Center
The DMACC Child Development Center is a unique child care setting in that it is a laboratory school used for the training of early childhood education teachers. One objective of the center itself is to maintain a high level of quality, based on the latest information and research. This includes such things as a developmentally appropriate curriculum, an anti-bias approach to curriculum planning and materials, developmentally appropriate practices with regard to how children are guided and integration of services available for children and their families. DMACC Child Development Center uses continuity care to build a strong relationship and trust between the caregiver and families. With continuity care the primary caregiver your child is given in the infant room will move up with them throughout his/her time at the center.
Lab Students
DMACC Child Development Center provides a quality, nationally accredited laboratory school for the children of the faculty, staff and students working or enrolled at the Des Moines Area Community College, which means we allow lab students to work and learn in the classrooms. As a laboratory school, we, in turn, can provide a “live” learning laboratory for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. All lab students are qualified to work in the center by DHS requirements.
Accreditations
QRS
DMACC Child Development Center is a five star program, and we strive to maintain a quality rating expectation every year. Information regarding QRS
NAEYC
DMACC Childcare Development Center is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Information regarding NAEYC
DMACC Child Development Center shall not engage in nor allow discrimination, which is covered by law, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, gender, age, or disability.
The center will make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if requested. Limitation of accommodations may exist for children whose needs require extreme facility modifications beyond the capability of the facility’s resources.