About Early Education Services
History and Mission
Early Education Services (EES) - formerly know as Child Care Services - has been part of the University community since 1977 and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of developmental care possible for each child. Our purpose is to support the University of California’s mission of research, teaching, and community service by promoting access to higher education. Our child care programs strengthen recruitment and retention, and allow families to achieve their educational and career goals.
All of our programs are licensed, and administered under Title 22 regulations of the State of California, and Title V Terms under the Department of Education. EES receives State Department of Education funds, Student Registration Fees, Student Referendum Fees, and Tuition Fees. This funding enables us to provide free or low-cost care for qualifying families.
All of our programs implement the National Association for the Education of Young Children standards of Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
EES is dedicated to providing the highest quality developmental care possible in a secure, homelike environment characterized by warmth, affection, and support. We believe that children learn through play and exploration while engaged in relationships with peers and responsive, caring adults. We nurture all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, emotional, social, creative, and physical. Individuality is acknowledged and respected as children are encouraged to develop skills in decision-making and social interaction.
Children play an important role in developing our curriculum. We build on the expressed interests and ideas of children and their families to create a continuously developing and exciting curriculum.
Learning is a balance of independent exploration and teacher-directed activity, carried out at the child’s own pace.
We believe that caring and education are inseparable. Children need to feel comfortable and secure, to know what is expected of them, and to have opportunities to express themselves. Adults in our program establish positive personal relationships with children to effectively foster development.
Children learn in the greater context of their families and community. Family involvement positively reinforces each child’s family traditions and culture. EES creates a culturally stimulating, accepting, and nurturing setting through collaboration with families. We share in the rearing of our community’s children in the spirit of respect and cooperation, characterized by effective communication, and shared decision-making.
Anti-bias Curriculum
Between the ages of two and five, children become aware of differences in gender, race, ethnicity, and abilities. They are also sensitive to the attitudes (both positive and negative) that family and society attach to these differences. EES embraces age-appropriate anti-bias curriculum that reflects the diversity of our community and world and that conveys complete respect for ethnicity, gender, age, class, family structure, and physical ability. Our goal is to create a learning environment where each child develops a strong personal identity, feelings of comfort with diversity, and the ability to talk about differences, and to challenge bias. During the course of the year we:
- Present children with material from different cultures and ethnic groups
- Talk about many kinds of families, e.g., single parent, blended, nuclear, extended, adoptive, gay, lesbian, and multi-racial
- Present images of women and men in roles that challenge the prevailing stereotypes
- Include curriculum materials which encourage respect and appreciation for aged and physically challenged individuals
As in all of our work with children, we begin with the premise that the role of the teacher is to help children explore their world in an open-minded and inquiring way. The teacher presents alternatives, asks thought-provoking questions, and gently guides children to think critically and act responsibly. We are happy to share our resources with you, and/or to discuss any ideas or comments you would like to share.
Our Centers
All of our centers are located in the Family Student Housing complex. Each of our centers are operated during the academic year from September through June, closing during the summer months, administrative and university holidays and staff development days (between 2-3 days).
Infant Center
The Infant Center serves 18 children ages 11 months - 24 months. When spaces are open for enrollment, new children must be between the ages of 11 months and 23 months old. The ratio of adults to children is 1:4. The hours of operation are 8:30am – 5:30pm.
Preschool Center
There are two locations where Preschool children are served. The Younger Preschool Program is located in the Community Building, and is divided into two classrooms. The Loft Classroom serves up to approximately 10 children ages 24 – 38 months. When spaces are open for enrollment, new children must be between the ages of 24 and 33 months old. The View Classroom serves up to 10 children ages 34-50 months. When spaces are open for enrollment, new children must be between the ages of 33 and 41 months. The ratio of adults to children is 1:4 if the majority of the children are younger than 36 months, or 1:8 if the majority of the children are older than 36 months.
The Older Preschool Program is housed in the Blue Building next to the Infant Center. This program serves and enrolls up to 16 children ages 36 months until they enter Kindergarten. The ratio of adults to children is 1:8.
Hours of operation are 8:30am – 5:30pm.
School Age Center
The School Age Program serves 16 children. It offers enrichment activities and a family support system. During the school year, hours of operation are 12:00pm – 5:30pm for Kindergarteners; and 2:30pm – 5:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for 2nd through 4th graders. On Wednesdays (public school half days), care is available from 12:00pm to 5:30pm for all school-age children. Extended care is available on a sign-up basis on some Santa Cruz City Schools closure days (University closure days excluded).