Shoot 4 the STARS
An Early Intervention Preschool addressing delays in:

Program Goals
• To provide speech and physical therapy for the child's social, emotional, intellectual, as well as physical growth
• To provide activities during classroom time for the child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth
• To provide the child with opportunity to develop self-confidence and self discipline to meet everyday challenges
• To assist families in finding resources which will be helpful to them with the development of their children.

Any Child ages 3-5 may be admitted to our early intervention programs upon referral from any source, including physicians, hospitals, social-welfare agencies, government agencies, intermediate units, other preschools, and families. The only requirement for admission is that the child will benefit from our programs.

Curriculum & Purpose
The curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of each age group and specific abilities. Our staff is ready to introduce concepts and tasks that are appropriate to each child's level of development. The Children's Center of Mercer County has a commitment to:

•Provide the best learning environment so young children can grow to their potential
•Help children to be responsible students
•Encourage exploration and active participation
•Help establish personal accomplishments for their students

The Need:
The most rapid teachable moments occur in the preschool years and timing is even more critical for the child at risk who has been identified with a developmental delay.

The Solution:
Early Intervention Preschool adaptive program for children ages 3-5 offering individual and group speech, behavioral, physical or occupational therapy in a specialized atmosphere to assist children meet their challenges and reach their full potential.

The Results:
In September, 2009 twenty five preschool children entered kindergarten with needs identified, goals recognized, and confidence established so that the beginning of their formal education would be less stressful. Research is showing that those who participate in an Early Intervention program continue to maintain gains made at an early age.

Classroom teachers will adapt the daily routine to best meet the needs of each class according to age, attention span, and ability to work in groups.

Schedule:
Arrival: Structured Activity - time with the purpose of teacher observation and one-on-one attention
Next Group: Circle Time - songs, finger plays, theme, opening exercises
Second Half: Bathroom and snack, small group activities, gross motor skills, art and story time
Dismissal: Review of the day, optional activities

Parent Participation
Parents play a huge role in the success of our programs. Parents are to be present at all IFSP and IEP meetings. These are scheduled by agencies involved, teachers, therapists and parents. Parents are permitted to schedule a time to observe their child's classroom or therapy sessions.

Parents may visit the school at any time as observers, however, we would appreciate advance notice. As you look in to our busy classrooms you will see happy, noisy, and creative activities going on.

We welcome your suggestions and constructive criticism, which will help to make our programs better.

The Hermitage Kiwanis International Club supports the efforts of the Children’s Center of Mercer County with annual donations for the Early Intervention Preschool “SHOOT 4 the STARS”.

Ms. Lynne uses the Audio System (purchased with funds from the Kiwanis) with her students. This helps the children hear and concentrate better in the classroom

Two boys in Ms. Ashley’s class enjoy the “Reading Rug” donated to CCMC by the Hermitage Kiwanis.

School age children (K - 12 years of age) are offered a program before/after school that provides a nutritious snack and a planned program of activities that are a change of pace between school and home. These include but are not limited to the following: quiet play, recreational activities, homework, table games, puzzles, and arts and crafts.

Part -Time students will be accepted on a limited basis. Drop-in care is not provided. Please call before bringing child in if prior arrangements have not been made and scheduled. This permits us to staff according to regulations and for your child's benefit and safety.

The Children's Center of Mercer County is a state licensed daycare facility that provides full or half day care for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool age children. Our well-trained, qualified, and nurturing staff strives to provide quality programs that are developmentally appropriate and fun for each child enrolled at the Center.

Full - Time Weekly care for the supervision and nurturing of children ages six weeks through twelve years of age is offered. This program is available for infants through pre-schoolers (full day) and school-age children (before and after school).

A program offered  during  the summer, when school is out. Parents can choose 3 or 5 days a week. Flexible time, including free time with adult supervision, with plenty of activities offered according to the interests of the students. Offered for children through the age of 12. Registration fee required to hold place and offset costs of transportation for field trips and Tshirts.

Community based business visits our Center during Summer STARS and kids see inside of ambulance.

Auntie Em’s Pretzels makes a visit to CCMC.