HANCI - Services - Child Learning Centers
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HANCI Child Learning Centers are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Learning opportunities are provided for children in each age grouping by loving staff through developmentally appropriate activities. Learning is emphasized to achieve development in the following areas:
- age-appropriate social skills
- language skills
- physical development
- thinking, reasoning, questioning and experimentation
As classroom teachers and staff come to know your child better, they are able to assist him/her in developing a positive self-image, a respect for others and a respect for differences in abilities and cultures. All of these goals are pursued through a theme-based, child-centered curriculum. 
Lessons are prepared on a thematic basis, generally following the seasons of the year. Both teacher-directed and child-directed experiences are included in the daily schedule. Typical schedules include free choice of time spent in learning centers; large group circle time, story time, and music; and small group activities including art and dramatic play. Outdoor time is scheduled daily, weather permitting, so please provide weather- appropriate clothing at all times, including hats, mittens and boots.
Children in infant and toddler groups are advanced to the next group in accordance with their birthdays. As they progress to the Pre-K group, developmental progress will be considered in the move to the next group.
Infant Room Information
The infant staff will soon become familiar with the needs of your child. They will learn the nature of each child's cry and quickly respond to it. Your child will most likely experience a change in his/her schedule due to the stimulation of other children in the room. Although the staff will attempt to maintain a child's schedule, feeding and sleeping patterns will often adapt to the pattern of the children in the room. Each child will have his/her own crib. A fussy infant will often be soothed in an infant swing or in a rocking chair, often by one of our loving Foster Grandmothers. Please review the letter regarding our infant feeding policy and indicate your wishes at the time of enrollment. If you choose to provide your own formula and food, you should provide enough pre-made bottles and appropriate food for the day. You will also need to provide diapers, wipes and at least one change of clothes, as needed. Please be sure clothing is appropriate to the season. By New York State OCFS regulation, all bottles and food must be labeled with the child's first and last name. Clothing should similarly be labeled to ensure it is kept with the child's other belongings.
Routines in this group are generally individualized for each child. Physical and language development are the major focus as the child learns to crawl, walk and talk. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the care of your infant, please don't hesitate to discuss them with the staff. Communication between parent and caregiver is key to ensuring the best care for your infant.
Toddler Room Information
At 18 months, your child will transition to the toddler group. This will likely be quite a change for him/her, since this room focuses on the growing independence of the toddler. Even though your child wants to be more independent, there will be days that s/he wants to step back into the "infant" mode. This is quite normal. The toddler program strives to offer the security of daily routines, with opportunities to develop his/her growing desire for independence. Toddlers will be encouraged to do as much for themselves as they are able and to assist with classroom routines. Toilet learning is usually attempted in this group, but requires good communication with parents regarding home attempts. Keep your caregiver informed on this process and let her know what successes you may be having at home, so that they may be reinforced in the center.
Tantrums are a common behavior at this age. The toddler is often very insistent on his desires and these aren't always consistent with what parents or caregivers want. Since child safety is a major focus in all groups, ensuring this may require toddlers to conform to rules that are difficult for them to understand and follow. With consistent reinforcement and repetition, they are able to work toward this goal.
The classroom routine allows the toddler opportunities to play in small and large groups, as well as independently. Although toddlers usually do not play "with" each other, they enjoy "parallel" play alongside the others in the group. More "physical" behaviors may be observed at this age and caregivers will work with toddlers to use "gentle touches" as they interact with their classmates.
Pre Kindergarten Group Information
The Pre-K group ranges in age from 3-5 years. The language skills for these children are becoming much more developed and they are able to express their needs and carry on conversation. The classroom routine is very similar to that of the toddler group, but at a more advanced level. This age group still thrives on the consistent and predictable things in their lives. Playing "with" classmates is much more evident and allows for the development of more creative and dramatic aspects of play. Questioning and experimenting are enjoyable aspects of this age group. The children will often challenge what has been the routine and try to make changes. Sometimes this is possible, sometimes the teacher will need to reinforce the usual routine.
As this group prepares for a more formal school-based program, they are working on the basics of color and number recognition, pre-writing skills and further language development. Many children will move on to the Universal Pre Kindergarten program offered by the Niagara Falls City School District for 4 year olds. HANCI does provide two of these classrooms for the school district. If your child lives in the city of Niagara Falls, please speak with your child's teacher for further information on this program.
Latch Key Program
The program offers before and after school care for school age children, 6-12 years. This is open for full or part day care during school conference days, holiday periods and summer vacation periods. A full range of activities for this age group is provided, including games, projects, computer use and help with homework. Please contact a center directly for more specific information.
Child Learning Center Locations |
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HANCI-Trott Child Learning Center Infant, toddler, Pre-K and school age programs For more information, contact Wendy Harris, Director of Intergenerational Programs, at harris@hanci.com or 716-285-8224. |
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HANCI at the VA Child Learning Center Infant, toddler, and Pre-K Program For more information, contact April Estell at 716-862-6562. |
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