Uniondale Early Childhood Center has a variety of programs to meet your needs:

• INFANT Program/Schedule (6 weeks - 18 months) 

• TODDLER Program/Schedule (18 months - 3 years)

• PRESCHOOL Program/Schedule (3 - 5 years)

INFANT Program (6 weeks - 18 months)

Infants are too young to follow a very strict schedule. Even so, we try to adhere to a loose schedule at UECC. We deem it more appropriate for the staff to develop a suitable program for each child, taking into account the child's specific needs.

The babies will need to eat and nap more frequently than the older children. They also need time during the day to practice crawling, rolling, and walking. Small, padded climbing equipment is available to aid in their development in these areas. Toys are kept on low shelves so that they are accessible, allowing for babies to safely explore their environment.

Babies require a great deal of physical contact (hugging, cuddling, rocking, playing peek-a-boo, etc.). They also need to be taken outdoors for fresh air (for a walk in strollers or for riding on the swings.)

Typical Schedule for Infants

8:00 - 9:00        Breakfast

9:00 – 9:30        Diaper Change

9:30-10:00         Free play, songs, Circle Time, Story Time

10:00-10:30       Activities (coloring/painting)

10:30-11:00        Outdoor fun

11:00-12:00        Lunchtime

12:00-2:00         Naptime

2:00-2:30          Diaper Change

2:30-3:15           Floor Activity/Exploration Time

3:15-4:00          Afternoon Snack

4:00-4:30           Diaper Change

4:30-5:00           Free Play

5:00-6:00           Diaper Change, prepare for pick up

TODDLER Program (18 months - 3 years)

Toddlers' moods, interests and activity levels change frequently. The staff at UECC remains sensitive to these issues, and has developed a schedule that allows for flexibility and easy adaptability. 

The following learning objectives that are emphasized:

• Developing skills
  -  Using utensils

  - Verbal expression

  - Dressing

  - Clean-up

  - Toilet training

• Developing social and combination skills

• Exploring the environment through new activities and materials

• Broadening play scheme

• Using art materials, toys, instruments and tools

• Developing child's interest in books

Typical Schedule for Toddlers

8:00-9:00     Breakfast and free play.   (Cots are available for those who are still sleepy.)

9:00-10:00   Outdoor play (weather permitting).  Opportunity for fresh air, playground activities, OR indoor activities which include use of indoor climbing equipment or playroom.

10:00-11:00   Circle Time (stories, puppets, finger-play)

11:00-12:00   Free Play.  Children may choose from a variety of activities (art work, sensory activities), all with teacher supervision.

11:00-12:00   Lunch Time

1:00-2:30     Nap Time

2:30-3:00     Wake-Up

3:00-3:30     Afternoon Snack

3:30-5:00     Free Play

5:00 p.m.      Prepare for Pick-Up

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (3 - 5 years)

The following schedule is typical of what a UECC preschooler's day is like.

8:00 - 8:45     Breakfast
9:00-9:30       Circle Time.  Children come together to:
                            Take attendance
                                  Monitor and chart the weather
                            Develop familiarity with the calendar
                                 Assign class jobs
                                  Choose activity area
9:30 - 10:15     Various activities:
                                   Blocks
                              Cooking
                              Housekeeping
                              Science
                              Painting
                              Arts and crafts
10:15 - 11:00     Gross Motor Skills
11:00-12:00      Lunchtime
12:00 - 12:30   Clean-up Time
12:30 - 1:00      Bathroom Time
1:00 - 2:30       Rest Time. Children rest quietly, reading or listening to soft music.
2:30 - 3:15       Free Play
3:15 - 4:00       Closing Circle
4:00 - 4:30      Reading
4:30 - 5:00      Free Play
5:00 - 6:00      Prepare for Pick-Up