About Us
The NIC Children's Center is a NAEYC Accredited program, whose main function is to provide service to a small number of parents while they attend classes. We are a limited enrollment program and can only accommodate 66 children. Per our admissions policy, "Services are available to children of NIC students enrolled in a minimum of 3 NIC credits or children of any NIC faculty and staff. Priority is given to full time NIC students (12+ credits), then to part time NIC students, then to full time NIC employees, then to part time NIC employees. U of I and LCSC students, faculty and staff are eligible for care beginning Fall 2009 and will be prioritized after part time NIC employees. One parent must be enrolled in and maintain a minimum of 3 credits to be eligible for our services. Children ages eight weeks through five years old (on or before September 1st of the current school year) are eligible for enrollment."
"The NIC Children's Center provides children and parents with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in the Center's program and services."
The Children's Center believes a low adult-to-child ratio is an extremely important aspect of a quality child care program. To achieve and support low ratios, small group play, and more one-to-one interactions, the Children's Center relies on the following support staff:
Classroom Assistants: Part time classroom assistants are hired to work with children under the supervision of the teachers. Students who are awarded funds as part of their financial aid package are also hired to work as assistants. All classroom assistants are required to undergo fingerprinting and a background check prior to employment.
Practicum Students: Practicum students are enrolled in the Child Development Program and are studying to become early care professionals. Students work directly in the classroom to gain experience and hands-on practice. They are supervised by classroom teachers and are under guidance of NIC Child Development Instructors.
Volunteers: Parents, family members, students, Service Learning Program members, and others from the community add a diverse component to the Children's Center and are an integral part of our program.
Individual Child Care License: All persons working in the classroom with children, including volunteers (except parents) and students are required to have a current individual childcare license. To receive this license a person must have cleared an FBI background check, fingerprints on file with law enforcement, and a cleared TB Test. In addition, Classroom Assistants are required to provide certification of First Aid/CPR and proof of ongoing education.