Child and Family Development Center

What is the CFDC? (top)

The primary purpose of the Child & Family Development Center (CFDC) on the campus of San Juan College (SJC) is to serve as a laboratory school for early childhood, nursing, psychology, dental and sociology students at the College. Practicum students in early childhood education courses are part of the Center staff each semester. They are supervised by qualified teachers to plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities for young children.

The secondary purpose of the CFDC is to provide child care and early education services to students at SJC. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation recognizes programs that comply with nationally recognized criteria for high-quality early childhood programs. The CFDC is licensed by the State of New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department.

Program (top)

The CFDC currently house five different programs for children 6 months of age through preschool. Children are enrolled in the programs for five days a week. Each of our programs is based on the assumption that children learn best when they are actively involved with their environment and free to explore without fear of mistakes. The learning environment emphasizes social development and cooperation with others as well as a variety of stimulating activities for young children. We believe that children are inventive and creative in the ways they understand the world, and that they grow and develop by sharing ideas with others and by exploring questions raised by caring adults. We arrange the environment to provide structure and the schedule to provide consistency. These enable a child to develop a sense of mastery over the environment. Above all, we believe that each child is a unique person with special things to offer. Our interactions with children reflect these beliefs.

Twenty positions are available in two preschool classrooms and ten positions in a third preschool classroom. Children attending the preschool program are 3-5 years old. A day's schedule will include self-selected activities, large and small group activities, learning centers, snack, and outdoor time. Art, music, movement, science, language, pre-math, pre-reading, social studies, wood working, and dramatic play are some the areas that children explore in the process of their physical, mental, social and emotional growth.

Twelve positions are available in each of our two full-day toddler classrooms. Children attending this program are 18-35 months old. The focus in these classrooms is on exploration, active play and activities and routines that are individualized to meet children's needs and interests. Eight positions are available in each of our two full-day infant classrooms. Children attending this program are 6-18 months old. The focus of these classrooms is caregiver responsiveness, ensuring each child is cared for and nutured in response to his or her expressed needs.

Who can attend the CFDC? (top)

Childcare is available to full-time students of SJC; 20% of the slots are available to full-time faculty and staff of SJC. For the purposes of the CFDC program, a student must carry a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours during the semester for their child to be enrolled an the Center.

How old does my child have to be to attend the CFDC? (top)

The CFDC houses five different programs for children 6 months through five years of age.

How much does it cost? (top)

Tuition contracts are written for a full semester's attendance. The College provides some child care assistance to students and the Center coordinates with the State of New Mexico and Navajo Nation for those parents on child care assistance programs. Rates are the same for all families. The rates below are in effect until further notice.

Preschool $120.00 per week 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Toddler Care $120.00 per week 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Infant Care $125.00 per week 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Surround Care $15.00 per week 3:30 - 5:15 p.m.

The weekly fee includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.

How many children are in each classroom? (top)

Preschool I room is licensed to care for 20 children.

Preschool II room is licensed to care for 20 children.

Preschool III room is licensed to care for 10 children.

The Toddler rooms are licensed to care for 12 children each. One room cares for toddlers 18 months to 24 months and the other is for children 25 through 35 months.

The infant rooms are licensed to care for 8 children each. One room cares for infants 6 months to 12 months and the other is for infants 13 through 17 months.

Who teaches the children? (top)

Each classroom is staffed by a Lead Teacher and at least one Associate Teacher. All of the Lead Teachers have their BAs, and the majority of the associates hold Child Development Associate credentials. To comply with requirements of the state license, all members of the teaching staff attend annual training.

Do you offer drop-in care? (top)

No. The Center does not provide drop-in hourly or daily childcare or babysitting, but quality educational programming and care for young children. Children are enrolled in the programs for five days a week.

Does my child have to attend five days a week? (top)

No. The number of days a child attends is up to the parent. However, the slot reserved for a child must be paid for at the weeky rate regardless of attendance. Parents are encouraged to bring their child each day to provide consistency and to allow their child to take part in continuing classroom activities.

When is the Center open? (top)

The CFDC is open from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday and operates on a 9-month academic calendar following the College's Fall and Spring semester schedules. The Center is closed on all academic holidays and breaks (e.g. Spring Break, Christmas vacation). The CFDC is not open during the summer.

Does my child have to be potty trained? (top)

Children attending the infant and toddler programs are not required to be potty trained. Children attending the preschool programs are required to be potty trained. The preschool classrooms are not equipped to change diapers.

How do I enroll my child? (top)

The Waiting List Forms to put a child's name on the waiting list are available at the CFDC office on campus (building directly east of the Computer Science building).

Based on the date on the form, families will be called as openings occur. Families are encouraged to complete a Waiting List Form as far in advance as possible as the waiting time for enrollment opportunities has historically been at least one year. Children remain on the waiting list for four semesters. Parents must complete a new form to remain on the active waiting list.

For more information on any of these programs, call 566-3383, or contact

Christina Perez
Child and Family Development Center
San Juan College

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