Child and Family Development Center

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior credible activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Philosophy 

The Child and Family Development Center (CFDC) is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care for sixty-three children ages six weeks through school age. The center encourages each child to develop an individual learning style which compliments the child’s personal desires, interests and needs. We are committed to facilitating each child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth within a proactive environment.

Curriculum 

The state approved curriculum, “The Creative Curriculum,” is thematic-based and is designed to encourage children to direct their own learning experiences in an enriched, supportive environment where rewards are felt intrinsically by the child and reinforced by personal experiences and interactions with others. This success-oriented focus helps develop a desire to learn and participate without fear of failure or discouragement. The activities encourage trial and error learning to develop problem solving skills and to create multiple solutions. Variety is vital for children’s development. We plan a balance of indoor and outdoor, individual and group, quiet and active experiences.

Staff 

The center promotes diversity among the children and the staff. Each classroom (two for infants and toddlers, one for two-year olds, one for three-year olds and one for school age) has one full-time lead teacher (child care specialist) and one assistant teacher (child care worker) who plan and manage the daily program. The support staff includes UMES students who plan to enter fields related to early childhood/child development. The center is pleased that its student to teacher ratios remain low. Regular in-service training is encouraged for all CFDC staff.

Teacher Development 

The CFDC not only provides quality early child care for the University and local community, but also serves a demonstration site for undergraduate students in UMES’ Child Development, and Family and Consumer Science program options within the Department of Human Ecology. These students are placed at the center for various practicum experiences.

Facilities 

The center has many amenities including five fully equipped classrooms with many age-appropriate materials, games, and activities. The outdoor classroom boasts of jungle gym equipment and large motor activity equipment.

Families 

The CFDC recognizes that family members are the first teachers of children. We are supportive, not substitutive of parenting. Parents are encouraged to participate in the education of their children. Observation windows provide opportunities for witnessing children during their daily activities. Adult sized chairs in the classrooms are provided for visitors who would like to interact with children. Open communication is vital to the staff/family relationship. Newsletters, teacher updates, and Class Dojo are used to keep the lines of communication open.

Service Delivery Model

A multidisciplinary approach is used in the CFDC because the staff understands that children do not enter the center in a cookie cutter mold and therefore their needs can not be met using one teaching style or approach. Specialists from a variety of resources are linked with those children and families whose needs extend beyond the capabilities of the CFDC staff. Children are screened and/or assessed using the Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum, Dial 3 and DECA. Findings are supported through observations and anecdotal records and parent, teacher and specialists’ input. The child’s curriculum is then adapted based on information gained from the assessments.

Funding Sources 

The CFDC is a self-supporting program. Funding is derived from family tuition and fees, Child Care scholarships payments and grants.

Enrollment 

Application 

The CFDC seeks to enroll children representing diverse backgrounds, as well as those with special needs. Applications are available year round and may be obtained by calling the center at 410-651-6173 or stop by the center on campus. Completed applications are placed on a waiting list for future consideration. Placement on this list does not guarantee enrollment at the CFDC. Children do not need to be toilet trained to become enrolled at the center.

Enrollment Procedures: 

Schedule a virtual tour

Complete the enrollment package which includes:

•  All About Me form
•  Complete health inventory signed by physician
•  Immunization Form signed by physician
•  Lead Addendum signed by physician
•  Complete emergency form
•  Sign Child Care Regulation Acknowledgement
•  Sign Parent-School Agreement form

Tuition and Fees

For tuition and fees, contact the center at 410-651-6173.

Hours of Operation 
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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Contact Us

Director: Donna Long, Ed.D.
E-Mail: dmlong@umes.edu
Telephone: 410-651-6173
Fax: 410-651-6285

Address: Child and Family Development Center
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
11941 Early Childhood Research Building
Princess Anne, MD 21853

Directions to CFDC
Detailed maps from Salisbury & Crisfield directions

Parents’ Comments

“I cannot express how thankful I am that my child has been a part of your childcare program! He has thrived there and I have always known he was safe and loved by all of your staff. I have nothing but praise for the entire center.”

“Thank you for everything you have done for me and my child. He has really grown and learned a lot at your center. Knowing the care he has received has given me peace of mind over the last three years. For that I am truly grateful.”

“Words cannot describe how much our family appreciates all the love and support we have received from the CFDC. Our child has grown so much over the past few years and we know that it is because of the dedication and support you have provided him.”

“I have been witness to the many changes in my child, due in large part to the love and care she has received at the Center. I’m sure with the foundation she has been given at the CFDC, she will only continue to grow.”

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