|
Children's Services Division Goldman School and Child Development Center Early Childhood Education Goldman School and Childhood Development Center (CDC) is a Class A licensed program for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, providing childcare in a structured preschool setting where children with developmental delays are educated alongside their typically developing peers. Goldman School and Child Development Center offers children with and without disabilities the opportunity to grow and learn together in a year-round program. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:30pm. Goldman School and Child Development Center provides developmentally appropriate educational experiences to enrolled children ages 6 weeks - 5 years of age both with and without disabilities.
History Goldman School and Child Development Center was built, at 351 Jordan Street, in 1962. It consisted of three classrooms serving 42 preschoolers on a split day schedule. In 1974, the Infant Intervention Program was initiated to include therapuetic services for children ages birth to three. In 1987, Goldman School and Child Development Center began integrating typically developing children into the program as peer models. This was the first inclusive child development center in the state and it was later replicated throughout Louisiana. Today Goldman School and Child Development Center is a class A program licensed to serve 100 children. Each classroom is staffed with a teacher and an assistant; thereby allowing us to maintain a 3:1 ratio in infant rooms, a 4:1 ratio between toddler and three year olds, and a 7:1 ratio in our preschool classroom. Commitment to Excellence The staff and administration have a commitment to excellence and service. The teachers at the Goldman School and Child Development Center must possess or be working toward their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential at minimum. Some teachers hold AA or BA degrees and 25 direct care staff collectively represent 200 years experience in working with children with special needs. Early Intervention Site Goldman School's inclusive childcare is a program where children ages birth to three who are eligible for early intervention through the Early Steps system receive their services within the course of their daily routines. These services may include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language therapy, special instruction, and consultation with child care workers, families, and other providers. Early Head StartEarly Head Start iservices are provided to infants and toddlers in the Highland/Stoner Hill area through a partnership with Caddo Community Action Agency. Eligible children experience quality early learning in Early Head Start classsrooms or through home visits. Expectant women can also receive Early Head services. More About Early Head Start Inclusive Education Inclusive educational environments benefit children with and without disabilities. In addition to increased academic performance, research shows that children in inclusive classrooms also: demonstrate increased acceptance and appreciation of diversity; develop better communication and social skills; show greater development in moral and ethical principles; create caring friendships; and demonstrate increased self-esteem. This program is unique in that it provides an opportunity for families who have mutiple children ages 0-5 with and without disabilities to attend the same quality inclusive childcare center. In addition, the experience and educational level of the staff and the low pupil to teacher ratios far exceed minimum standards. Another unique feature is that typically developing children, children with special needs, and children eligible for Early Head Start are all served under one roof. Inclusion has a powerful impact affecting the education, socialization and emotional well-being of a child. The children in the program develop a greater appreciation for each other when learning side by side. Inclusive education testimonials click here Training and Technical Assistance The Arc Caddo-Bossier Children's Division staff provide training and technical assistance to child care centers throughout northwest Louisiana through several grants funded to foster inclusion. In addition, Goldman School/CDC serves as an instructional site for students from various universities in our region. For more information about Goldman School and Child Development Center, email Pam Kimbrough, Director Children's Services, pkimbrough@thearccaddobossier.org. |
> View Trike-A-Thon for St. Judes Pix >Thank you to all the David Duncan Memorial Classic Golf Tournament Supporters! >Congressman Jim McCrery starts a Scholarship Fund for Goldman School.
? ?? |
