GoSolaruLearnWebMailDirectoryMapEventsIndex

About the Center

The Child Development Program, a part of the College of Education, is comprised of two locations, the Lanette L. Suttles Child Development Center and the Capitol Hill Child Enrichment Center. The centers play an important role in University research efforts, supports teacher education programs, offers an ideal setting for students from a variety of disciplines to learn about young children through observation, interaction and research, and provides a model of “best practice” for Georgia’s early learning professionals at all levels of the professional ladder

ENROLLMENT CRITERIA

Students:

  • Parents attending classes at GSU are eligible to apply for child care at the Program.
     
  • Proof of current registration must be presented at the beginning of each semester. The following rules apply:
    -If a parent withdraws from classes during a semester, the child may remain in the Center for the rest of that semester. The child may remain in
    the Center beyond that time only if the parent enrolls the following semester.
    -If a parent completes a semester of classes but does not enroll the following semester, the child may remain in the Center for a grace period of one semester. The child may remain in the Center beyond that time only if the parent enrolls in classes the semester following the grace period. This applies to students who take a a break from classes as well as those who graduate.

NOTE: These rules are consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and Policies, revised edition, March 5, 1998, which states: When a person is in a nonenrolled student status for two consecutive semesters, the person then becomes a nonstudent...nonstudents may not benefit from the privileges reserved for enrolled students.

Faculty, Staff and State of Georgia Employees (Capitol Hill location only):

GSU faculty and staff members may apply for child care at the Center during the time they are employed at GSU. Proof of employment must be presented at the time of enrollment. The following rules apply:

  • If a faculty or staff member terminates employment during a semester, the child may remain in the Center for the rest of that semester only. If a faculty or staff member terminates employment at the end of a semester, the child may remain in the Center for a grace period of one semester.

Alumni:

When a parent graduates from GSU. The child may remain in the Center for the semester immediately following graduation.

  • An exception to the above restrictions applies to children whose parent (student, faculty or staff) leaves GSU or state employment after the child has been accepted into the PreK program. In that case, the child may participate in the PreK program for the full year.

NOTE:  This is in accordance with the rules of Bright from the Start, Department of Early Care and Learning for administering the state-funded PreK Program.

GOALS
The goals of the Program are based on current learning and child development theories. Young children learn through play. They grow and develop when they are in a supportive environment that encourages them to try new things and to express their natural curiosity. As the children play with appropriate materials and equipment, they gain knowledge about their world. Social skills increase as children interact with each other and with teachers.

The professional staff is trained to assess children's needs and to plan a quality program that will meet those needs. The teachers make their classrooms exciting places where children can develop their full potential. Children thrive and grow in self-confidence in the Program's safe, noncompetitive environment where they are fully accepted as they are. The Center serves families from many cultures; their customs and traditions are respected, and their presence enriches the Program.

THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The Child Development Program is part of the Early Childhood Education Department, and provides practical training for future teachers in a model program under the supervision of a highly qualified staff, with strong support from the Early Childhood faculty. These professionals ensure that what is taught in theory to teachers is actually used in the classroom.

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
The Child Development Program provides a setting in which students from other departments within the University have an opportunity to learn about young children through structured interaction or observation in the classrooms and/or observation rooms. Students learn appropriate skills and practice techniques that relate to their programs of study. The Program also provides laboratory settings for faculty and
students to conduct research projects. 

LINK TO THE COMMUNITY
Teachers and administrators from the Child Development Program offer training and consultation to other early childhood professionals in the community. Additionally, educators from a variety of settings frequently visit the Program to observe its daily operation.

ACCREDITATION

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The Center is accredited by the NAEYC, the nation's largest organization of early childhood professionals.

Bright from the Start

Each of the Program's locations are Centers of Distinction. The Center of Distinction certificate is awarded by Bright from the Start to childcare centers that meet a high level of quality childcare for children 0-4 years old.

STAFF INFORMATION
The Program's Director is responsible for the overall operation of the Child Development Center, including supervision of staff. The Program's administrative staff consists of the Director and Assistant Directors.

Each classroom has a lead teacher and assistant lead teachers who are responsible for planning the daily schedule of activities. Each lead teacher is a professional with a background in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. The assistant lead teachers have a variety of educational backgrounds and years of experience working with young children.

Support staff includes a Food Service Supervisor, Pre-K Director, a Business Manager, an Administrative Assistant at each center and a Cook at each center. From time to time, interns are assigned to our program from various departments throughout the University.