F. Howard Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center

Charlene T. Watkins, Director

Our philosophy is to establish a firm foundation for learning and enhancing children self-esteem,by working with resources and around the community along with parent's involvements and by continuing our education.

Our teaching will be individualized to the needs of each child with the parents input.  The program will be planned for the whole child, their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

We will also be role models, observers, and evaluators.  We will strive to simulate intellectual curiosity.  Our facility will be well equipped to engage children in the right kinds of activities, and promote close relationships between the children, teachers, and parents.

Our Mission Statement

We will strive to provide a safe homogeneous environment that enhances the natural growth of children, will provide for a loving and competent staff, and will provide for a communication "triangle" of the staff, the children, and parents.

Goals

Russell Memorial Child Development Center has established the following goals for all children and parents.

• Infant to preschool classes

• Early Childhood development activities

• Developmental skills (social, emotional, intellectual/cognitive, language, and physical/motor)

• Age appropriate training (computer, art, and music)

• Love for all children, parents, and community

• A safe and healthy environment

• New friends in the center and in the community

Program Overview

At Russell Memorial Child Development Center, The children are made of differences (cultural, physical, national, racial, etc.).  They are taught to appreciate and value these differences while also recognizing the many ways in which people are similar.  Learning themes on self, family, community, race and culture are standard fare for the children, at any given time.  You may see curriculum plans posted for units such as Black History, different family structures, family celebrations, being a friend, values, and much more.  In daily interactions and as a part of curriculum, staff members continually seek to prevent class bias and to combat sexual stereotyping and racist attitudes.  We believe that one is never to young (or too old) to begin to develop the concepts, attitudes and skills that generate tolerance and understanding necessary for us to live in harmony in a diverse world.

Multicultural Curriculum

Each month, children will learn about a different culture or combination of cultures.  Such cultures will include, but are not limited to:  Spanish, African American, or Hispanic.  Children will learn about the language, dress, housing, music, food, games, and other fun activities from other countries.  Children will develop a cultural awareness and appreciate people from different cultures and background.

Values

Children will learn about values.  Most monthly units of learning will include a value, such as responsibility, honesty, effort, caring and sharing, pride, manners, patience, good sportsmanship, community and saying good-bye.  Activities are planned to promote good social interaction among adults and children.

Learning (Activity) Centers

Children participate in planned and free choice activities in learning centers.  The skills, knowledge and attitudes of children are learned through daily participation in learning centers, which vary depending on development.  The learning centers include participation in blocks, manipulative, books and music, art dramatic play and housekeeping, science and cooking, woodworking, and outdoor (gross motor) play.

Charlene T. Watkins, Director

Lucille Williams, Chairman, Board of Directors

LLoyd L. Watkins, Sr. Pastor

919 - 682 - 1305