The Center cares for up to 15 infants each day. Seven newborns are in the nursery with three full-time and one part-time caregiver. While basic physical needs are met, infants are provided with stimulating toys and activities to encourage growth and development. When weather permits, infants enjoy playtime outside. Caregivers are knowledgeable of infant care and instill a sense of trust through warm and nurturing interactions.
The Renaissance Child Care Center understands that toddlers are in a very dynamic stage of life. They are busy exploring their world, learning that they are separate from parents and caregivers, and learning language and toileting skills. The Center’s toddler care program emphasizes sensory play, gross-motor development, fine-motor development, and support in learning to play in groups. Ten toddlers -- aged eighteen to thirty months -- are in a second classroom with three teachers.
The preschool program focuses on the development of social competence as well as cognitive skills by incorporating strategies from Relationship Roots and the High/Scope preschool curriculums. The center has three classrooms for three, four, and five-year-olds. One classroom serves the youngest group from two-and-one-half to three-and-one-half year olds. The other two classrooms are mixed from three to five year olds. Preschoolers learn about the concept of a safe classroom and participate in class meetings when problems arise. Additional skills in problem-solving and conflict resolution are learned as elements from Relationship Roots are introduced by teachers. Before and
Renaissance Children’s Center is home to a small group of 12 children who attend before and after school as well as full-time in the summer. These children range in age from 5 to 12 and are transported to and from Lumberg or Molholm Elementary Schools. The program for this group follows the framework for the rest of the center, but also includes regular opportunities for field trips to educational and enriching places in and around Denver as well as regular visits to the world of nature just adjacent to the city. From fishing to museum visits to helping beavers build a dam, these children are given experiences that they will remember for a lifetime as well as support for their success in school.
An on-site Food Services Coordinator prepares breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. Menus are posted weekly in each classroom. Infants’ nutritional needs are met with formula and baby food. The Center participates in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP). Through CACFP, meals for children are reimbursed at rates based on the child’s eligibility for free, reduced price, or paid meals. The Food Services Coordinator ensures that meals and snacks meet the USDA’s requirements for children’s nutrition.
Many of the teachers and staff at the Renaissance Center have extensive backgrounds in early childhood education and all are selected based on their dedication to the developmental and educational needs of children. Many teachers hold Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credentials. As part of the Center’s commitment to its employees, it sets aside regular opportunities for staff development, training, and meetings to promote job satisfaction and retention. Teachers are also encouraged to continue updating their knowledge in early care and education by taking college courses and attending trainings in the community.