Purpose

The Center is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to provide day care for children from eight weeks to five years of age. Attended primarily by children of Skidmore College-affiliated families (faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni), who receive priority in enrollment, the Center also is open to the public as space is available.

Program

Play is the dynamic means by which young children extend their knowledge of the world and one another. The Center's program offers a variety of materials and experiences at several facilities to stimulate learning through play. Classroom space for each of the three age groups is open in order to provide flexibility for small- and large-group activities. Throughout the year, weather permitting, children enjoy outdoor time in the Center's back yard, where a large sandbox and a climbing structure encourage skill development. During inclement weather, the facilities at the nearby Sports Center are available for recreation and play.

Philosophy

We believe that quality group care for children is a positive and beneficial experience not only for children, but for their families as well. The Center offers its programs as a complement to the child-rearing role of the parents, serving as a support system (like an extended family), rather than as parent surrogates. Parents are encouraged to visit and observe their children at the Center and to get to know all of the staff members.

History

On-site child care was the dream of many Skidmore College employees since the late 1970's. The financial gift of a trustee in 1986 enabled the college to undertake a feasibility study and to hire a consultant to help lay the groundwork for the start-up of a child care center on campus. In June of 1987 the Center's first director was hired to coordinate and plan the final phases. The Skidmore Child Care Center opened its doors September 2, 1987, and was renamed the Greenberg Child Care Center (in honor of its chief benefactor, Toni Greenberg) in 1992.

Location

The Greenberg Child Care Center, a department of Skidmore College, is located at the southern end of the campus between the Tennis Courts and the Sports and Recreation Center.