For working parents, child care is a necessity. Vincennes Academy at 90 Pearl Street, in the Webb Building, is a special daycare center. It provides a comfortable learning environment and unique experiences for children, plus the secure and centrally located setting that parents need.
Located in the Webb Building, which was renovated by Rocco Termini in 2007, children have ample space to play, learn and develop. The daycare center includes eight rooms, all of which possess a universal design so that each child can utilize their classroom to the fullest extent.
The interior of Vincennes boasts brightly colored walls, whimsical decorations and a fun space, which is conducive to learning. The center features a gross motor room, where children can ride tricycles, practice crawling and walking, etc.
The daycare center accepts children from six weeks to five years old, who are then placed in one of three groups: Infants, Toddlers or Preschoolers. For the Infant group especially, staff members concentrate on attentive and loving care. Admissions Coordinator Katheryn Ross-Winnie attests that “babies are cared for on their own schedules.”
Toddlers’ days consist of songs, playtime, reading, art and more. The preschool group follows a similar schedule, with the addition of time spent with NYS certified teachers, who will help children get ready for kindergarten. Vincennes maintains a balance between learning through predetermined activities and play, which allows for social interaction and teaches valuable skills, such as sharing.
At Vincennes Academy, children and taught and cared for under the “Creative Curriculum.” It is a “comprehensive, research-based curriculum for educating the whole child from birth to age 5. The curriculum focuses on how children develop and learn, the learning environment, what children learn, the teacher’s role and the family’s role,” says Ross-Winnie.
At the center of this program are weekly themes. Children engage in songs and activities throughout each week that coincide with the theme. During the “feelings” week, Vincennes organized collages, happy and sad puppets and songs that concern emotions.
For children that require special education, Vincennes offers therapists and special education teachers who work individually or in small groups with children, while most children are in large groups for the majority of the day.
Another unique aspect of Vincennes is the focus on extending activities to children’s homes. Parents are kept up-to-date, and children often take home activities that correspond with the lessons they’ve learned that day or week. They even have their own newsletter. The center also holds special events, both for children and their parents. On February 24th , Vincennes Academy will host a “Mommy Daddy Date Night,” which is held once a month.
A community sponsor of the WNED Kid’s Fest at the Adams Mark Hotel, Vincennes will have a play area set up at the event on February 6th and 7th.
On February 27th and 28th, Vincennes will participate in the Powder Keg Festival. The daycare center will be open, and parents and the general public are invited to view the facilities.
Please visit the Vincennes Academy website to learn more about tuition, the admissions process and other information. You can also call the office at 716.362.0002.