Child Development Center
The Early Childhood Education Program has operated the Child Development Center lab school on the Salem campus since 1972. The Child Development Center provides child care and kindergarten for children ages 2.5 through six years through full and half day programs. The Child Development Center is open to families from the community and Chemeketa Community College students, staff and faculty.
Location
The Child Development Center is located in Building 39 on the northwest corner of the Salem campus.
Phone
503.399.5107
Hours of Operation
The Child Development Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and follows the college calendar.
Fees
- Half-day program $18.85/day
- Full-day program $31.15/day
Enrollment
Families wishing to enroll their child must complete an application in order to be placed on the waiting list. Length of time on the waiting list will vary as we strive to maintain a balance of age, gender and ethnicity among children.
Applications may be brought to the Child Development Center or mailed to:
Chemeketa CDC, Building 39
PO Box 14007
Salem, OR 97309-7070
Philosophy
In a warm, supportive, and respectful environment, the Child Development Center provides opportunities for children to grow and learn cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally as individuals and members of the group. Our philosophy is based on the concepts that knowledge is constructed by the child through her or his interactions with both the physical and social world. This concepts is central to the dynamics of our program because it puts the children, their ideas and explorations as the pivot point in the classroom. Thus, the environment says, "Yes, you can be successful." The teacher's role is to thoughtfully and responsively facilitate children's interactions with their environment.
Practicum
The Child Development Center serves as the primary practicum and student teaching site for college students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program. This experience allows students with the opportunity to observe children and experienced teachers. In addition, students are able to apply and practice the theory learned in their courses in a licensed child care setting. Students earning the Associate's degree complete four terms of practicum at the Child Development Center.