Our philosophy
The educational philosophy at the Manchester Family Child Development Center (MFCDC) is child-centered and developmentally based. It begins with:
- a loving, caring environment
- a secure and enriching place for children to grow and learn
- a center that nurtures the natural curiosity and learning abilities of the young child
- a child development center staffed with qualified and dedicated teachers
The Center's staff view children as self-directed learners who accomplish most when they are actively engaged in meaningful and challenging activities.
Our program
The Center's mission, philosophy and practices are inspired by the developmental theories of Dewey, Montessori, Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Bruner, Gardner, Katz and Malaguzzi. We are inspired and challenged by the methods in the pre-primary schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. We do not strive to duplicate what has evolved in Reggio over the last three decades, but rather to interpret the theories inherent to their approach into a method that reflects our own unique culture and practices.
Hours of operation
MFCDC is open year-round, with the exception of four weeks: two in December/January, and two in July. The Center will observe all University holidays and will be closed for five Staff Development Days during the year, two parent-teacher conference days, and a half day for its annual Employee Recognition Picnic, and Winter Staff Celebration.
The weekly tuition fee will not be affected when the Center is closed due to University Holidays, Staff Development Days, or children's absences due to illness or vacation.
Waiting list
A Center tour is required in order to join our waiting list.
Our waiting list is maintained for children who will be eligible for admission within one calendar year. Families on the waiting list will be offered spaces as they become available based on affiliation and the date that the waiting list application was received. To accommodate our classrooms, consideration will be given based on each child's age, sex and enrollment preference. Priority is given to USD affiliated families.
Center tours
Appointments for Center tours are offered on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. Center tours can be scheduled when children are 12 months. Click here to schedule a tour.