The school is the laboratory in which students observe and gain practical experience in working with young children and their parents. Several programs in the Department of Human Sciences require observation and/or participation at the nursery school. Students from other disciplines (such as early childhood education, psychology, speech communications, and kinesiology) are also provided opportunities to observe and interact with young children.

The school was established in 1941 and is housed on the corner of University Boulevard and Santa Gertrudis Avenue. It meets the needs of 35 children aged two through five. Two fenced playgrounds provide a large assortment of play structures and equipment, shade and sun areas, and open play space. Learning centers are provided in each room to stimulate and encourage exploration and discovery. The philosophy that young children learn through creative play is evident in planned activities that enhance the children's emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.

A highly qualified staff works with the children. The school's close proximity to campus and its high quality program make it especially attractive to university students with children. Parents are encouraged to register their children early since a waiting list quickly forms as the fall semester nears. Parents are welcome to visit at any time.

Parents are encouraged to participate in observation sessions and field trips as their schedule permits. Parents should notify their child's teacher of any problem or event which may be upsetting. Events such as death of a pet, expected birth of a sibling, or a visit by grandparents may cause children to be excited, tense, or upset. Knowledge of such occurences will help the staff to work with aprents to meet their child's needs.

If parents desire to conference with their child's teacher at any time, they should contact the teacher to arrange a time. Parents are asked to refrain from discussing a problem with the teacher in front of the child or when the teacher is responsible for a group of children. Children will not attend parent conferences except in unusual circumstances.

A monthly newsletter (Nautical News) is distributed to help keep parents updated on events and items of interest at the CYC. It is available at the CYC office.

Parents are responsible for keeping records current in the CYC office. Please update home or work telephone numbers and addresses, telephone numbers of people to notify in case of emergency, immunization dates, and class schedules every semester. Failure to abide by policies in this handbook could result in a child being dropped from the rolls of the CYC.