About Early Education Services

History and Mission
Early Education Services (EES) -- formerly known as Child Care Services -- is dedicated to providing high quality developmental care for each child. Our purpose is to support the University of California’s mission of research, teaching, and community service by promoting access to higher education, and support students to achieve their educational and career goals.

All of our programs are licensed, and administered under Title 22 regulations of the State of California, and Title V Terms under the Department of Education. EES receives State Department of Education funds, Student Registration Fees, Student Referendum Fees, Parent Fees, and Housing Auxiliary Funds. This funding enables us to provide lower cost care for qualifying families.

All of our programs implement the National Association for the Education of Young Children standards of Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

Philosophy
EES is dedicated to providing high quality developmental care in an environment characterized by warmth, affection, and support. We believe that children learn through play and exploration while engaged in relationships with peers and responsive, caring adults. We nurture all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, emotional, social, creative, and physical. Individuality is acknowledged and respected as children are encouraged to develop skills in decision-making and social interaction.

Learning is a balance of independent exploration and teacher-directed activity, carried out at the child’s own pace.

We believe that caring and education are inseparable. Children need to feel comfortable and secure, to know what is expected of them, and to have opportunities to express themselves. Adults in our program establish positive personal relationships with children to effectively foster development.

Children learn in the greater context of their families and community. Family involvement positively reinforces each child’s family traditions and culture. EES creates a culturally stimulating, accepting, and nurturing setting through collaboration with families. We support families through the spirit of respect and cooperation, characterized by effective communication, and shared decision-making.

Anti-bias Curriculum
Between the ages of two and five, children become aware of differences in gender, race, ethnicity, and abilities. They are also sensitive to the attitudes (both positive and negative) that family and society attach to these differences. EES embraces age-appropriate anti-bias curriculum that reflects the diversity of our community and world and that conveys complete respect for ethnicity, gender, age, class, family structure, and physical ability. Our goal is to create a learning environment where each child develops a strong personal identity, feelings of comfort with diversity, and the ability to talk about differences, and to challenge bias. During the course of the year we:

• Present children with material from different cultures and ethnic groups
• Talk about many kinds of families, e.g., single parent, blended, nuclear, extended, adoptive, gay, lesbian, and multi-racial
• Present images of women and men in roles that challenge the prevailing stereotypes
• Include curriculum materials which encourage respect and appreciation for aged and physically challenged individuals

As in all of our work with children, we begin with the premise that the role of the teacher is to help children explore their world in an open-minded and inquiring way. The teacher presents alternatives, asks thought-provoking questions, and gently guides children to think critically and act responsibly. We are happy to share our resources with you, and/or to discuss any ideas or comments you would like to share.

Our Center
Our center is located in the Family Student Housing complex and is operated during the academic year from September through June 8:30am-5:00pm. Summer program hours are 8:30am-5:00pm. Our business office is open Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm. We are closed on administrative and university holidays and staff development days.

Infant Program
The Infant Classroom serves children 11-24 months. The ratio of adults to children is 1:3. Infant program serves 6 children.

Toddler Program
The Toddler Classroom serves children 18-36 months. The ratio of adults to children is 1:4. Toddler program serves 12 children.

Preschool Program
The Preschool Program is located in the Community Building. The classroom serves up to approximately 24 children ages 3-5 years. The ratio of adults to children is 1:8. 

School Age Program
The School Age Program serves 28 children. We offer enrichment activities and community field trips with nature based themes.

• During the academic year, hours of operation are 2:30pm–5:30pm for TK-4th graders.
• On Wednesdays (public school half days), care is available 12:30pm-5:30pm for all school-age children. 
• Extended care is available on a sign-up basis on some Santa Cruz City Schools closure days (University closure days excluded).