Our Instruction

The Creative Curriculum is the most widely used preschool curriculum in the country. It is designed to focus on the development of the whole child through rich, engaging, play-based learning experiences; hands-on investigation of interesting materials; and nurturing environments; and by cultivating warm, welcoming, and responsive relationships between teachers, children, and families.

What do we mean by the development of the whole child?

We believe each child is on their own developmental journey. We take this into consideration as we aim to meet kindergarten readiness standards. With The Creative Curriculum, teachers are intentional about integrating the basic domains of development (math, science, technology, literacy, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) while cultivating the tools for social/emotional learning (creativity, self-expression, decision-making, problem solving, responsibility, independence, and reasoning).

Serving a Diverse Classroom

Although Children's Services was started by families advocating for their children with disabilities, when you walk around our campus today, you will see classrooms comprised of children with and without disabilities. Research shows that having a diverse classroom makeup contributes to the social/emotional development of children, regardless of ability. When children can interact with other children who embody different life experiences, we see an increase in social skills, language development, compassion, and empathy.

Things to know about inclusion

Not all disabilities are visible

Children can be eligible for special education services with a range of qualifying factors. Sometimes these factors significantly impact every developmental domain: children may have a hard time moving or talking, and they may have complex physical and medical needs. Other times, disabilities are not visible: difficulties with language, social and emotional challenges, and fine motor issues may be hard to detect. As a family, your response to more visible special needs will impact your child’s disposition.

Student confidentiality

Part of a teacher’s job is to protect the confidentiality of all children in the class, including those with disabilities. Even though you might have questions about other children, the teacher will not be able to disclose specific information about their disabilities, goals, or services.

It is a child’s right to attend a school in an inclusive setting

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) protects children’s rights to attend school alongside their peers without disabilities.

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The Fundamentals

Our staff members take the health and safety of our children and families very seriously. We know that a safe and healthy environment is at the heart of every great early learning facility.

Health

Immunizations

Immunizations are required according to the current schedule recommended by the U.S. Public Health Services and the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org. State regulations regarding attendance of children who are not immunized due to religious or medical reasons are followed. Unimmunized children are excluded during outbreaks of vaccine preventable illness as directed by the state health department. A Child Care Immunization form that shows up-to-date immunizations is required upon enrollment in our program. This form must include a physician’s signature documenting a health examination.

Illness

We work hard to ensure that children on our campus are not exposed to illnesses, but we recognize that, from time to time, children do get sick. When children in our program become ill, it is our policy to contact their parents/caregivers immediately and, depending on the circumstances and severity of the illness, we may ask that children be picked up within a given time frame.

Our Nurse

We are fortunate to have a full-time nurse on staff able to give medications as needed (requires proper documentation from child’s pediatrician).

Safety

For the protection of everyone on our campus—but most importantly the children we serve, Signal Centers has developed a robust Emergency Preparedness Plan which exceeds the State of Tennessee’s requirements. Our teachers receive CPR and First Aid training every two years, and we have put protocols into place that ensure children will be safe during emergencies.

Additionally, external doors are always locked and monitored by staff. All visitors are required to register with the office and wear a visitor’s badge throughout their visit. We ask that families be our partners in our security efforts. Please do not let someone you do not know into our building. We monitor all entrances and have specific policies when allowing entrance to our facilities. If someone you do not know enters our facility with you, please escort them to the school office for assistance.

Some of the additional safety measures we have in place are:

Prohibited Substances

The use of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited on the preschool premises. Possession of illegal substances or unauthorized potentially toxic substances is prohibited. Any adult who appears to be inebriated, intoxicated, or otherwise under the influence of mind-altering or polluting substances is required to leave the premises immediately. We reserve the right to contact law enforcement as necessary and/or refuse release of a child to an adult that appears to be under the influence of prohibited substances.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited on the entire Signal Centers campus. The poison in secondhand smoke is especially harmful to infants and young children. The indoor and outdoor environment are always non-smoking areas.

Dangerous Weapons

Weapons are prohibited on the Signal Centers campus. Anyone who brings a weapon onto our premises will be asked to leave immediately and the police will be contacted.

Nutrition

We provide a nutritious, USDA-approved breakfast and lunch for all children. An afternoon snack is provided (generally around 3:45) for children who are enrolled in aftercare. Meals and snacks are included in your weekly fee. We support breastfeeding mothers and have a private room for those who wish to breastfeed on our premises.

We are also glad to accommodate children with allergies. We do permit families who wish to bring food for their children to do so, but meals brought from home must follow the USDA Guidelines which will be provided as part of the enrollment process.

Honoring the Emotions of the Child

Decades of research have shown that social/emotional learning is as important as academics. Our teachers focus heavily on helping children build the strong social skills they’ll need for lifelong success. We know that little children have big feelings, so we also work hard to foster self-regulatory skills and build resiliency.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's)

We recognize that every child has at least some adverse childhood experiences—things that happen to or around them that make life tough. We also know that some children face many challenges which can keep them from reaching their full potential without intervention. For this reason, all our educators receive training to identify ACE's, put supports in place to build resiliency, provide resources for families as needed, and provide trauma-informed care for children.

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We accept the State of Tennessee Child Care Certificate (please see Family and Caregiver Resources for more information or to see if you qualify). For those who do not qualify for a Child Care Certificate or the Hamilton County Department of Education, fees are as follows:

• Six weeks to two years old: $240.00/week
• Three years old: $225.00/week
• Beforecare (may arrive as early as 7:30 am): $35.00/week
• Aftercare (may stay as late as 5:30 pm): $115.00/week
• Before and Aftercare (7:30—5:30): $135.00/week

Fees for care are due each Monday afternoon. Please contact cedricka_westmoreland@signalcenters.org  or rachel_mcgraw@signalcenters.org with any questions regarding your application or fees.

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Serving the Whole Family

We believe that the family is the child’s first and best teacher and we strive to support families and caregivers. We encourage enrolled families to visit our program, to volunteer, and to let us know whether any needs beyond education arise for your child.

Child Care Certificate Program

SNAP Benefits

Kid Central TN

TN CCR&R