Children Center Handbook: Mission & Philosophy
(714) 278-2961
The CSUF Children's Center is a campus child development
program at California State University, Fullerton, serving
infants, toddlers, and preschoolers whose parents are enrolled
in University courses. Children of non-students are welcomed
when space is available. Founded by students in 1971, the
program is funded and operated by the Associated Students,
CSUF, Inc., and also receives funds from the California
Department of Education and the California State University.
Mission of the Children's Center
CSUF Children's Center's mission is to enable parents of young
children to attend Cal State Fullerton by providing safe,
affordable, and convenient child care in a setting where
children experience responsive relationships, and enjoy
learning about themselves, others, and the world.
Philosophy
The cornerstone of this program is a conviction that high
self-esteem is the most important goal for children, as well
as for parents and staff. This belief underlies all decisions,
systems, policies, and planning, and generates a feeling of
respect by and for each individual. To build high self-esteem
in children, we help them know that they are lovable, special,
competent and capable and show them that we trust them to take
responsibility for their behavior. Adult-child communication is
the most significant factor in developing these feelings, so
staff training in the area of communication skills is emphasized.
Through skillful communication we create an atmosphere in which
feelings and ideas are expressed openly and heard respectfully,
from the youngest to the oldest participant. This forms the
foundation of the interactions of adults and children, adults and
adults, and children and children; it is central to the curriculum.
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