The University Children’s Learning Center
Philosophy of
The University Children’s Learning Center
Provide quality childcare in an educational environment
Provide early childhood student teachers
(and UND students from other disciplines) with
an environment in which they can acquire learning
experiences in Early Childhood Education
How Do We Teach?
We believe that children learn
through play. This child has
built a line of blocks and a
a block tower on it. As he
does this he is learning about
cause and effect, balance,
one-to-one correspondence,
and is also building his self–
esteem.
Notice
the car.
He is
going
to
knock
the
tower
down.
How Do We Teach?
 The environment is carefully prepared and organized
based on close observation of children and the teacher’s
professional knowledge of Early Childhood Education
 The curriculum is “emerging curriculum” with activities
developed based on those individual or group interests
being observed in young children at play
 Activity Plans (lesson plans) are written with Emergent
Curriculum in mind. If there is not an emerging
curriculum, teachers plan developmentally appropriate
lessons focusing on the skills and concepts that children
need to learn
 Activity Plans are posted in each classroom
Typical Daily Schedule
7:00
8:30
9:30
10:15
11:00
11:30/11:45
12:00
1:00
3:00
3:30
4:00
5:00
5:30
Arrival and Center Time
Breakfast, Circle Time
Family Time
Outdoor Play
Lunch
Quiet Moments or Departure
Rest Time or Nap Time
Arrival and Center Time
Snack, Circle Time
Family Time
Outdoor Play
Center Time/Departure
Center Closes
Daily Schedule

Each Color Area posts a
daily schedule for
teachers, families, and
children
Diversity at UCC
The University Children’s
Learning Center values and
respects diversity. The
Learning Center makes a
point to incorporate diversity
by having educational toys,
games, dress-up items,
markers , crayons, and
books that reflect a variety of
cultural and ethnic groups
and individuals with special
needs.
What about Holidays and Birthdays?

We do not celebrate holidays. Why?
Because we would need to celebrate
all holidays without discretion. In
other words, we would have to
celebrate holidays from the culture of
every child represented in the
classroom. UCLC believes children
are more interested in discovering the
world around them.

Individual birthdays are acknowledged.
However, in lieu of food being brought
into the Learning Center families are
encouraged to bring stickers, paint,
bubbles, etc.
Basic Rules for the UCLC Classroom

Respect other people; hurting other people is
never allowed

Care for the classroom materials, equipment,
building, and playground
-encourage children to clean as they go (put the items they are
finished using away before taking out more)

Teachers, children, and families work together
to keep everyone safe
-PLEASE KEEP MAIN DOOR TO UCLC CLOSED
-all teachers are responsible for all children
-if a child wanders out of the classroom please
help them return to their classroom
Communication is essential to a quality
childcare program

Communication between teachers occurs three
times a week. Each classroom has a weekly
planning meeting, all experienced teachers have a
staff development meeting on Monday, and Friday
an all Staff Meeting is held.

Communication between teachers and families is
essential. Communication may take place face to
face, over the phone, or through email. Teachers
often write notes home and place them in the
families’ mailbox. Each classroom has an area
that contains a bulletin board with important
information, the menu, and a sign in sheet.
Communication is essential to a quality
childcare program
This is a form developed
to send a quick
note home to families. It
allows teachers
to give families a quick
recap of what happened
at UCLC during the day.
Teachers are able to save
a carbon copy for the
child’s observation file,
which will later be helpful
when they complete the
child’s progress report.
Communication is essential to a quality
childcare program
This is the sign in area,
which contains many
points of interests.
Teacher
Bio
Parent
Mailboxes
Daily Menu
Classroom Photos
Staff Ratios and UCC Teachers

The Red Family ratio is 1 teacher to 5 children or 2
teachers to 10 children

The Yellow, Blue, and Green Family ratio is 1 teacher to
9 children or 2 teachers to 18 children

UCLC employs six highly qualified teachers and one
teacher assistant

UCLC employs work study students to assist in the
classroom and kitchen
Guidelines for Students

Attendance- each student/student
employee/volunteer is expected to be
present each day for his/her scheduled
hours. If you are unable to attend you
must notify the Center, at least two hours
before your scheduled arrival.

Attitude-each student is expected to have
and present a positive attitude.
Guidelines for Students

All students must wear a UND issued
ID.

Photos should be inserted into the
hanging photo ID holder provided by
UCLC for temporary use while observing
at the Center.

Students will not be allowed to observe
without the proper photo ID
Guidelines for Students

Personal Appearance and Health-An appropriate
personal appearance must be maintained.
Personal grooming should reflect regular bathing,
tooth brushing, hair and nail care, and clean
clothing.

Dress Code-Common sense, good sound
judgment and good taste should dictate your
decision when it comes to personal attire. Wear
functional, neat, wrinkle-free, clean clothing.
Please remember the way you dress is a reflection
of UCLC. Jeans and active wear may not be
worn.
Guidelines for Students

Dress Code-No flip flops, crop tops, pajama pants,
or slang/derogatory attire. Shorts and skirts must
be fingertip length when the arms are extended
downward at the side of the body. Hats may be
worn outdoors only for protection from the
elements, if necessary.

Only water or a beverage such as flavored water,
in a clearly identifiable water bottle, is allowed in
the classroom. Soda pop and coffee are not
allowed in the classroom
Guidelines for Students

Gum, candy and food from outside the center
are only allowed in the teacher’s break room.

Smoking is prohibited in or near the building.
Remember UND is a smoke free campus.
Guidelines for Students

Cellular Phone Policy-On-site cellular phone use is
prohibited in the classroom unless approved by
the director. Without the director’s permission, all
cellular phones must be turned off.

It is strongly suggested that cellular phones be
stored in a secure location. The University
Children’s Learning Center will not be held liable
for the loss, theft, or damage of personal cellular
phones brought into the work place.
Guidelines for Students
Confidentiality:
Using the Department of Teaching And Learning
Student Teaching Handbook as a guide, UCLC has
adopted a confidentiality policy.
Confidentiality Expectations:
 Students are responsible in maintaining confidentiality
regarding children and UCLC information/issues.
 Students will not disclose confidential information about
individuals, in accordance to state and federal laws. The
only exception is when a compelling professional purpose
is served or required by law.
Coats and Backpacks
When you arrive at UCLC your
backpack and coat may be placed in the
multipurpose room on the coat rack
located next to the pop machine. There
is limited space in the classroom to
accommodate any personal items.
Please leave all valuables at home or in
the trunk of your vehicle.
Signing In


As you enter UCLC, you will find a
colorful rectangular rug featuring images
of children from around the world.
Located near the rug is a shelf with
white binders. This is the sign-in shelf.
Look for the binder with the title of your
class. The first page of the binder should
have a classroom schedule. The color
of your name is the Color Area you go to
(our classrooms are named Red, Yellow,
Blue, and Green Family).
Signing In

After you have located your Color Area,
turn the page and sign-in. It is important
to print your name, time in and time out.
THANKS


Thanks for your interest in the University
Children’s Learning Center. If you still
have questions about UCC please contact
us at 701-777-3947.
Remember to complete the Verification
Form when you are finished with the online
orientation.