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Wright State University
Child Development Center
3640 Col. Glenn Hwy.
Wright State University
Dayton, Ohio 45435
(at the intersection of University Blvd. and Wright
State Rd.)
937.775.4070
937.775.2832 FAX
> Contact The Director
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Wright State University Child Development Center
This center, on the campus of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, was founded in 1987. The Wright State University Child Development Center offers Quality Early Care and Education for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. The center was first accredited by the NAEYC in January 1990 and was the first early childhood center in Greene County to attain NAEYC Accreditation.
Infant and Toddler Programs
Mini University's infant programs incorporate NAEYC's
Accreditation Criteria, Ohio's Infant and Toddler's Guidelines, and the Resources
for Infant Educarers (RIE) philosophy. The RIE philosophy is based on the
research of Magda Gerber and Dr. Emmi Pikler.
The RIE (pronounced "rye") philosophy is based on RESPECT for each child. The educarer respects an infant by talking directly to the child, explaining what he/she is about to do, making eye contact, and by waiting for the child's response. RIE's goal is to help nurture AUTHENTIC infants who are: Competent, Confident, Curious, Attentive, Exploring, Cooperative, Secure, Peaceful, Focused, Self-Initiating, Resourceful, Involved, Cheerful, Aware, Interested and Inner-Directed.
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Unique Aspects of our Programs - Number 9 of 10
Mini University, Inc. will Always Work Towards Program Improvement by developing new programs and being attentive to feedback provided by families. Parent suggestion forms are available at the front office, and annually parents are asked to complete a family questionnaire regarding the quality of our programs and administration. Any time a family has questions or concerns, we encourage you to ask your child's teacher, an administrator, or contact the Mini University Corporate Office (often referred to as the Home Office) at 937.426.1414 or toll free at 877.429.9400. We want to always provide families with the highest level of customer service and your feedback is important! |
Preschool Program
Mini University's preschool program is based on NAEYC's
Accreditation Criteria, Creative Curriculum for Preschool, and the Ohio Department
of Education (ODE) Early Learning Content Standards.
Ohio Department of Education Academic Content Standards
The four themes of ODE that
guide the work we do with Preschoolers are:
- All children are born ready to learn
- Environments matter
- Relationships are influential
- Communication is critical
Families who select a Mini University program are kept well informed of the latest educational initiatives, such as the Ohio Department of Education Academic Content Standards. These standards serve as a basis for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, beginning with preschool. Although your child is just beginning his/her educational journey, rest assured Mini University's teachers will meet or exceed these standards to ensure your child has a strong academic foundation for future school success.
Creative Curriculum for Preschool
Mini University uses The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, aligned to the Ohio Department of Education Early Learning Content Standards, as the educational framework for Preschool. Information provided by Teaching Strategies, creators of The Creative Curriculum describes this framework as follows: The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is one of the country's leading research-based preschool curricula, which applies the latest theory and research on best practices in teaching and learning and the content standards developed by states and professional organizations. While keeping the original environmentally-based approach of earlier editions, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool clearly defines the teacher's vital role in connecting content, teaching, and learning for preschool children. It features goals and objectives linked directly to a valid and reliable assessment instrument (The Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum for Ages 3-5). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool balances both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children's learning styles and building on their strengths and interests. It provides clear guidance on the teacher's role in addressing content in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology, yet never loses sight of the primary importance of social/emotional development in children's learning. The physical space of a Creative Curriculum Preschool classroom is organized into 10 interest areas: Blocks, Dramatic Play, Toys and Games, Art, Library, Discovery, Sand and Water, Music and Movement, Cooking and Computers. The "Outdoor" learning environment is an equally important interest area. The time children spend outdoors every day is just as important to their learning as they time they spend in the classroom. Another integral component of a Mini University Preschool classroom is diversity. All teachers use Louise Derman- Sparks' book Anti-Bias Curriculum, Tools for Empowering Young Children and incorporate various multicultural aspects into the classrooms. Families are encouraged to share their cultural background via the Family History Questionnaire. We also request family photos for each child enrolled. Diversity is valued and respected in the materials selected for the learning environment, in staff hiring practices, and in the children and families served.
In Our Preschool Program:
When I play in the Art Area area, I learn... - Social Emotional Development
How to adjust to new situations
How to follow classroom routines - Physical Development
How to use tools for writing and drawing
How to control the small muscles in my hands - Cognitive Development
To observe objects and events with curiosity
To be aware of the position my body has in space - Language
To expand vocabulary and introduce descriptive art elements
To observe patterns and gain a spatial sense
Kindergarten Program
Mini University offers a developmentally appropriate private Kindergarten designed for children between the ages of five and six years old and implemented with a focus on the individual needs and differences of each child enrolled. This program stimulates each child's learning in all developmental areas – physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. This integrated approach to learning, development, and curriculum takes into consideration "the whole child."
Parents often choose Kindergarten at Mini University because of our small class size and professional teaching staff. The class generally consists of 20-24 children and is staffed with two teachers, providing a ratio of approximately 1:10. The Kindergarten teacher is a professional educator who meets all state of Ohio credentialing and licensing requirements and the Assistant Teacher has training and experience working with children and often has an Associate or Bachelor's degree.
School-Age Program
The oldest children in a Mini University center are the
school age children, affectionately referred to as "the
Seniors." These children range in age from 5-12 years
old, and depending on the center, may be divided into 1-3
classrooms. The emphasis in our school-age program is
placed on group activities that stress cooperation and
respect for others. The children are allowed time to
explore, reflect, expand, socialize and complete tasks in
accordance with their individual interests. The classrooms
are fun, exciting, and developmentally appropriate for the
students.
The greatest compliment Mini University has received about the quality of our school age programs is the "Top Ten" list created by the Seniors. This list identifies the reasons why the students in this age group love coming to Mini University programs and includes things like "creek walks," "field trips," "listening to cool music," and "making our own snack!" As children get older and feel they don't need to come to "childcare" anymore, it's nice to know Mini University has a quality program designed with their interests in mind, where parents know they're safe and kids know they'll have fun.
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