Programs and curriculum
Center-Based Care: Infants and Toddlers
All Centers are accredited by the National Association For the Education of Young Children, NAEYC
Our child care centers offer developmentally appropriate curriculum as recognized by the National Association for Education to Young Children. Most centers offer child care to infants,toddlers and preschool children (ages 4 weeks to 5 years). Each classroom is equipped with educational toys and materials, which are appropriate to the age group of your child. An enclosed outdoor play space is provided at each center. Teachers are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and supervised by the Lead Teacher, Director and/or Assistant Director at each center.
The Guild provides child care to infants, (age 4 weeks to 15 months) and toddlers
(age 15 months to 2.9 years). Teacher-child ratio is 1:3 or 2:7 for infants and
1:4 or 2:9 for toddlers.
Curriculum:
The infant toddler curriculum incorporates the critical role of caring, nurturing and interaction by adults in your child’s development. Infants and toddlers learn and
develop by experiencing their environment through their senses, by physically moving and through social interaction. Teaching and learning through verbal and physical
interactions focus on: language development; cultural and human relations (sharing, taking turns); concepts (up/down, in/out) colors shapes and sizes; science (water, ice); developing gross motor skills (balls, riding toys, mats); fine motor skills (manipulative, puzzles, crayons, painting).
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Center-Based Care: Preschool
All Centers are accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC
Our child care centers offer developmentally appropriate curriculum as recognized by
the National Association for Education to Young Children. Most centers offer child care to infants, toddlers and preschool children (ages 4 weeks to 5 years). Each classroom
is equipped with educational toys and materials, which are appropriate to the age group of your child. An enclosed outdoor play space is provided at each center. Teachers are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and supervised by the Director and/or Assistant Director at each center.
All lead preschool teachers hold a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
The Guild of St. Agnes provides child care to preschool children 2 years, 9 months to
5 years of age. The teacher-to-child ratio is 1:10, with no more than twenty children in
a classroom.
Curriculum:
The Guild uses the "learning center model" to develop the cognitive, physical, and
social development of your preschool child. Our preschool program works on the following key aspects of school readiness:
Stable relationships with adults who are emotionally invested in your child.
Group settings offering peer interactions and the opportunity to learn social skills.
Consistent, predictable daily routines are part of your child's schedule.
Stimulating, engaging learning materials are available for your child to explore and
enjoy. Since young children learn best through play and by direct interactions with objects they can see and touch, classrooms are designed with learning centers,
hands on manipulatives, and a variety of materials that allow your child to make
decisions on their own and to learn through playful interactions. These include
blocks and toys, dramatic play and art center, music manipulative, tactile play,
and a reading/book corner.
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School Age Programs:
Open to children aged 5 to 12, the School Age program is designed to meet the full range of your child’s developmental, social, emotional and cognitive needs. The flexible curriculum offers appropriate activities to meet the developmental needs of your child. In planning each day’s events, teachers seek a balance of activities, which incorporate academics (including homework help) sports, group games and the arts. Through their social interactions with others, your child is invited to grow, learn and develop a positive self-concept.
All school age programs provide transportation from school to the center, and provide care until the close of the center. Additionally, school age programs in Gardner and Devens provide care before school, and to children who attend half-day kindergarten. Full-day child care is provided during school vacation and during the summer. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are offered each day. The teacher-to-child ratio is 1:13.
The Guild of St. Agnes provides child care to school age children in most of our locations. Additionally, through a partnership with Worcester Public Schools, the Guild provides after school care to children at Tatnuck Magnet School, Quinsigamond Elementary School, Vernon Hill School and Worcester Arts Magnet School.
Curriculum:
Self-esteem grows with your child’s accomplishments. Teachers plan and implement art, science, math, drama, literacy, social studies, and physical activities. Your child will participate in these activities in large and small groups. As your child takes part in these activities, they develop a sense of accomplishment. Outdoor play space provides room for soccer, kickball, and other games suggested by the children. Through these activities, children learn cooperation and leadership skills as they help each other learn to be better team members
Creativity, flexibility, and individuality are the guiding principles, exhibited by the choice of activities offered each day to your child. When appropriate, each program provides homework help. Field trips are offered weekly throughout the summer.
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Family-Based Care:
In addition to our center-based care, the Guild of St. Agnes offers family child care.
This option allows parents to place their children in a smaller, more intimate setting in a family child care provider’s home. This program offers care to a small group of children aged 6 weeks to 12 years in individual homes licensed by the Office of Child Care Services. Each Family Child Care provider is sub-contracted by The Guild of St. Agnes and can care for six children, with no more than three children under the age of two (provided one is 15 months and walking.)
There are over 100 family child care providers throughout Worcester County who are supported by the professionals at the Guild of St. Agnes. Each provider is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and receives regular supervision and 20 hours of training by the staff of the Guild of St. Agnes. The Family Child Care coordinators are located in four area offices in Worcester, Whitinsville, Spencer and Devens.
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