UCD enriches children's learning through special activities and community connections

Community Representatives: We invite guests like firefighters, dentists, and other professionals to share their expertise and engage children in hands-on learning.    

Washburn University Partnership: UCD collaborates with Washburn University to provide valuable internship and educational opportunities for students, fostering a rich learning environment.    

Local Field Trips: Older children expand their horizons with visits to the Washburn Curriculum Library for story time and the Mulvane Art Museum for art hour.    

Library Outreach: The Topeka Shawnee County Public Library brings the joy of reading to our center with monthly story time programs.    

Parent Involvement: We welcome parents to share their talents and interests! Past enrichment activities have included Spanish lessons, dance instruction, and singing groups. If you'd like to contribute, please contact the Program Director.

We use developmentally appropriate curriculum to foster children's growth and learning

Curriculum: Our classrooms use a blend of well-regarded curricula, including Creative Curriculum, Animated Alphabet, and Handwriting Without Tears. These programs are designed to meet the specific developmental needs of each age group we serve.  

Developmental Focus Our lesson plans encompass a wide range of essential skills, including:

  • Beginning science and math skills  

  • Language and communication skills  

  • Letter and number recognition and awareness  

  • Beginning writing skills  

  • Social and self-help skills  

  • Large and small motor skills  

Infant Curriculum: Recognizing the unique needs of our youngest learners, infant lesson plans are individualized and implemented on a monthly basis.  

Kindergarten Readiness: Our Kindergarten Readiness classroom curriculum is carefully aligned with the expectations of local school districts to ensure children are well-prepared for their transition to kindergarten.  

Parent Communication: Teachers communicate curriculum information to parents through daily notes, email, newsletters, and Facebook updates.