Dalcroze
Based on the artistic and pedagogical principles of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, the Dalcroze approach teaches an understanding of music’s fundamental concepts, expressive meanings, and deep connections to other arts and activities. Children can all benefit from this approach which fosters music appreciation, ear training and improvisation while improving musical abilities. In this method the body is the main instrument. Children listen to the rhythm of a music piece and express what they hear through movement. This approach connects music, movement, mind, and body.
This class is taught to the preschool and prekindergarten children on a weekly basis during the school year by Katie Cross, an Oberlin College Conservatory faculty member.
America Reads
America Reads is a national initiative, established by President Clinton in 1996, which is designed to ensure that every child learns to read well and independently by the end of third grade. Research shows that if children cannot read well by this time, their chances for success shrink. The Oberlin America Reads Program, which is run through the Bonner Center for Service and Learning at Oberlin College, places federal work-study and volunteer college students at the Oberlin Early Childhood Center to assist children with their literacy skills in the hope of fulfilling this challenge. To read more about the Oberlin America Reads Program click here.
Early Learning Initiative University Circle Program
The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) creates a vital link between preschool teachers, students, and families, and the collections and live performance resources of University Circle institutions.
Engaging, interactive lessons and investigations address the learning needs of preschool children and reinforce the skills, knowledge, and dispositions essential for school readiness. ELI inspires a sense of wonder and broadens young children’s view of themselves and their world. Children ages 4 and 5 who attend OECC participate in hands on learning experiences and activties in their classroom that are then transferred to visits to museums and other informational learning environments that offer personal connections by creating memorable experiences. Field trips begin monthly in September and run through May. All experiences are provided at no cost to families.
Oberlin Public Library
The Oberlin Public Library Children’s Librarian makes regular visits to our toddler and preschool rooms to read and provide literacy activities. Children also take walks to the Oberlin Public Library for story time and to discover the library.
USDA Food Program
The United States Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides funding for nutritious meals and snacks to infants and children as a regular part of our program.
CACFP reimburses centers at free, reduced-price, or paid rates for eligible meals and snacks served to enrolled children, targeting benefits to those children most in need.
Because this is an eligibility based program all families MUST complete the food program forms provided by OECC.