Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Programs | University of West Florida
Skip to main content

Programs

Program information for the Educational Research Center for Child Development.


Each child is placed according to his/her age on September 1 to be consistent with the public schools in Florida. Children visit new classrooms on numerous occasions prior to their move to the new classroom. Children are moved to the next classroom (age group) at the beginning of the Fall Semester.

Children 6 months through 2 years may enroll in the Infant and Toddler Programs; children 3 years through 5 years may attend the Preschool Programs. School-age children up through age 10 may attend the Summer Camp program.

Daily Schedule

The classroom daily schedules consist of large and small group activities, outside play, multiple learning centers, lunch, snacks and time for rest. Each day provides enriching opportunities, in and out of the classroom, for social, cognitive, physical and emotional development in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment. Each classroom schedule can be found on our website within the individual classroom’s parent handbook. The curriculum is child centered and driven by both teacher-planned themes and the interests and needs of the children.

Some variance in schedules will be noted for each age group and when special activities are planned. Daily schedules and weekly lesson plans are posted outside each classroom.

Typical Daily Schedule
TimeActivity
7:30 a.m. Center opens
Children gather in Room #122 (Older Twos) and Room #109 (VPK) until 7:45 a.m., then disburse to age range groups and finally at 8 a.m. to individual classrooms for free choice of self-directed activities and learning centers for early arrivals.
9:00 a.m.

Morning snack followed by circle time activities.

9:30 a.m. Small group activities both self-directed and teacher-directed (stories, music, manipulative center time), inside and outside.
11:00 a.m.

Lunch for infants and toddlers followed by nap (outside time for preschool).

11:30 a.m.

Lunch for Twos followed by nap (outside time for preschool).

Noon Lunch for preschool followed by quiet activities.
1:00 p.m. Naptime for preschool groups. All children will nap or rest quietly in their classrooms for 1 to 1.5 hours. Quiet activities follow as children awaken.
3:00 p.m. Afternoon snack.
3:15 p.m. Self-directed and teacher-directed small group activities, inside and outside.
4:30 p.m. Children return to classroom, straighten learning Centers, put toys away and have quiet activity before going home.
5:30 p.m. Center closes.

Additional Programs

Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

The Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) provides families with free early education for their children to prepare them for kindergarten. Children are not required to attend VPK, attendance is on voluntary basis only. The Center is an approved VPK provider with two VPK classrooms.

Quick Facts

  • Children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 to participate.
  • The State of Florida covers the cost of the VPK program for all Florida residents.
  • Tuition credits are applied to monthly bills.
  • Parents are responsible for paying for wrap-around care (noon–5:30 p.m.).

School Age Summer Camp

School Age Summer Camp is offered during the months of June, July and part of August for children who have completed kindergarten and are 10 years old or younger. Summer Camp provides an opportunity for children to explore their creativity, build new friendships, and engage in a thematic unit based on the interests of the children over the course of the summer. Parents must make reservations for this program. Spaces are very limited.