Children's Center for Learning (CCL)

Location

Elmwood Hall
285 Old Westport Road
N. Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
Office: 508.999.8873
Fax: 508.999.8949

From Left to Right:
             Rachelle Casper, Lori Westgate, Kim Rioux, A.Diane Sansoucy

Meet the Staff

Amanda Diane Sansoucy, M.Ed.
Director
dsansoucy@umassd.edu
508.999.8873

Rachelle Casper, BFA
Lead Teacher
508.999.8873

Kimberly Rioux, B.A.
Teacher
508.999.8873

Lori Westgate, M.Ed.
Teacher
508.999.8873

Location of Department

Elmwood Residence Hall, located next to Office of Housing and Residential Life.

Description of UMass Dartmouth Children's Center for Learning

The Children's Center for Learning is licensed by the MA Department of Early Education and Care and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Preschoolers ages two years and nine months through the age of six years may enroll. The Center is professionally staffed and employs university students under the federal work study program. An adult to child ratio of 1:5 is the average. Children are accepted on a priority basis in the following order: UMass Dartmouth students, UMass Dartmouth staff/faculty, UMass Dartmouth alumni, general public.

The preschool curriculum consists of programs and materials aimed at enhancing the development of each child. Socialization skill development, language development, literacy, math readiness, science, art, dramatic play, music, movement, fine and gross motor skills, foreign language introduction are offered in a safe, bright and cheerful classroom environment. Parental involvement in the program is encouraged.

Tuition Fees and Policies

Fees:
$3.00 per hour for UMass Dartmouth students
$30.00/day for UMass Dartmouth staff, faculty and alumni
$36.00/day for children of community families

Daily rates can also be computed on a half-day basis for four or fewer hours.

There is a nine hour per week minimum attendance required for children of students, and either two full or four half days of attendance per week for all others.

Registration fees:
A non-refundable registration fee of $20.00 per semester is required at the time of enrollment. Each family must also make an enrollment deposit of $70.00 for students/$80.00 for others, which will be credited toward the final payment of the child's attendance at the UMass Dartmouth CCL. There is open enrollment.

Non-Discrimination Policy:
It is the policy of the CCL for earning not to discriminate against applicant for admission or employment, or against any employee of any national origin, age, veteran status, handicap, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, political belief, race, religion, or cultural heritage.

Calendar

The CCL is open between 7:30am and 5:00pm on days when the University is in session from September through June. The University holiday and inclement weather closings are followed. The center is open for part of the Winter Intersession and is open during Spring Break.

Mission Statement

The campus based Children's Center for Learning, a department within the Division of Student Affairs, focuses on providing a preschool curriculum with programs and materials aimed at enhancing the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled. Active participation, the "learning by doing" philosophy, is utilized in a safe, cheerful learning environment where children participate in many activity geared to their developmental needs. Children are encouraged to express their feelings and ideas openly and to respect and accept the differences inherent in others. The CCL will not discriminate in providing services based on race, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or disability.

The CCL serves as a source for community service by offering opportunities for all students and citizens of our region to participate in our non-profit organization as positive role models for our youth.

The CCL will continue to provide a service for children of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community, as well as federal work study, service learning and students from various departments at the University. The quality of life for these individuals may be enhanced and supported by the utilization of the center because children will be educated and cared for while their parents and other participating adults are in pursuit of higher education and/or are engaged in their careers.

For additional information, please contact the director at 508.999.8873 or send an email to dsansoucy@umassd.edu