About

Mission & History

Mission

To create a stimulating and nurturing environment where children with special and typical needs can grow and learn together in acceptance of one another.

History

White Plains Children’s Center was founded in 1982 as part of the outreach ministry of White Plains United Methodist Church, Cary, NC. The founders recognized a need in the Cary community for quality childcare, and particularly a need for care for children with special needs. Several of the founders were long-time educators in Wake County. These educators were truly ahead of the times in recognizing that young children with developmental delays, or at-risk for developmental delays, would have a greater chance for success in public school if their special needs were cared for at a very early age. These insightful founders realized that children with special needs could make tremendous strides in development by interacting with children who are developing typically.

After many months of planning, White Plains Children’s Center was born as an inclusive developmental day center. As an inclusive center, both populations are included in the same classroom, each gaining from the other.

Although WPCC started small when the doors opened, both populations have steadily grown. Today about one-third of our children have special needs and two-thirds are developing typically.

Since 1982, WPCC has continued to grow in service to the surrounding communities of western Wake County. WPCC has partnerships with Wake County Public Schools and the CDSA (Child Development Services Agency) to provide special education services for children 2 to 5 of age years.

Our program has grown because we continue to set goals, hire professionals, design programs and nurture children and families to achieve the mission set forth by the founders in 1982. We continue to believe this mission provides the basis for our future.

Administrative Staff

Ruth B. Miller, B.A. Psychology and Elementary Education, M.Ed. Special Education
Executive Director
miller@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Tiffany Harris, B.S. Human Sciences (Family Relations and Child Development), M.B.A.
Associate Director
harris@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Ann Carney, B.S. Business Administration
Finance Administrator
carney@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Cathy Frederick, B.S. Psychology, M.Ed. Special Education
Early Intervention Special Education Coordinator
frederick@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Wendy Partin, B.S. Special Education, B-K Add-on Program
Preschool Services Special Education Coordinator
partin@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Program Return to top of page

Philosophy

The philosophy guiding the program at White Plains Children’s Center is based on a belief that children with typical and special needs benefit from interactions with each other in an environment that stresses acceptance of individual differences in backgrounds and ability levels.

For the children with special needs, inclusion facilitates their developmental progress by exposing them to a varied and complex environment. By enabling them to remain within their own community, they are better prepared for the real world and greatly benefit from the modeling of their peers for social and communication skills. Please see Application Process for details on enrolling your child at WPCC.

For the children who are developing typically, there is the opportunity to learn about the differences between people and to develop attitudes of acceptance towards others. They are able to see their own strengths and needs, and the children with special needs provide role models for overcoming limitations and development of successful coping skills. Please see Application Process for details on enrolling your child at WPCC.

It is our hope that our early intervention will enable our children with special needs to enter more typical settings when they leave our program, and that our children who are developing typically will continue to act on the values to which they have been exposed at White Plains Children’s Center.

Our philosophy embraces key practices that include:

The belief that play is a child’s work
A curriculum which focuses on the process of learning versus the product
Activities planned with the child’s needs in minds, respecting individual styles and designed to ensure success
Schedules offering flexibility, smooth transitions and minimal interruptions in a child’s a play
An environment where a child is encouraged to make choices about activities and materials
The teaching of self control through guidance instead of punishment

We have three full-time classes, serving children 2 year to 5 years. We also have one part-time class, serving 2 year olds. At capacity, we serve 51 children.

Licensure & AccreditationReturn to top of page

White Plains Children’s Center has earned a 5 star license from the NC Division of Child Development . This accreditation guarantees that your child will be provided with a healthy and safe environment. We have achieved such an environment through our qualified staff, high teacher-to-child ratios, age-appropriate activities and competent administration.

Teachers & Administrative StaffReturn to top of page

The Teachers and Staff at White Plains Children’s Center are experienced and highly qualified. Each lead teacher in the pre-school classes has a college degree and is certified in early childhood education, special education or related degree.

Lead Teachers supervise the classroom team. They create a stimulating and nurturing environment for the children by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, developing relationships with families, and ensuring that the philosophy and policies of WPCC are carried out daily.

Teachers assist the Lead Teacher with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities. They provide leadership to the classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher, plan afternoon activities, and supervise the afternoon staff to implement these activities.

Assistant Teachers assist the Lead Teacher and Teacher to implement daily routines and activities with the children.

All teachers attend various workshops to continue their education and to learn new techniques and methods for applying current best practices in an appropriate early childhood environment. See information related to teacher/staff education and experience requirements shown in the Employment section.

There are six Administrative Staff members who work in the forefront and behind the scenes at WPCC.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall program and operations of the Center. The responsibilities range from overall management of finances to grant writing, personnel matters, and maintaining the star rating.

The Associate Director cares for daily operations of the classrooms and is the ‘go-to’ person for teachers and parents. The Associate Director is the right-hand for the Executive Director. This role has full responsibility for care and operations at any time the ED is away from the Center. In addition to the many details managed daily, this role is most often the first point of contact for WPCC to prospective parents; scheduling tours, answering questions by phone/email and assisting parents in every way possible.

WPCC has two special education coordinators. The Early Intervention Coordinator works with the CDSA (Child Development Services Agency) for placement of children ages 1-3 years of age. This coordinator is instrumental in development of the child’s IFSP (Individual Family Services Plan) and works along with the classroom teachers to implement the plan; monitors the child’s progress weekly, then meets with parents on a scheduled basis to discuss the progress.

The Special Education Coordinator works directly with parents of special needs children on the placement of children 3-5 years of age who qualify for services through Wake County Schools. After placement of the child, this coordinator works to monitor the progress of the child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) and assists in developing future goals, as needed. The Coordinator communicates weekly with the classroom teacher to develop strategies for accomplishing IEP goals, and meets with parents, therapists and Wake County Public School staff to discuss progress.

The Finance Administrator is responsible to work directly with the Executive Director on all financial matters. The Administrator is instrumental in keeping the Board of Directors/Finance Committee informed on a monthly basis of the financial status of the Center.

The Food Preparation Specialist is trained to provide nutritious meals for the children as established by the Child/Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). A thorough understanding and adherence to the food standards for children ages 2-6 is the primary responsibility. The Specialist is key in maintaining proper nutrition of all snacks and meals served daily. While this is a behind the scenes role, every child and parent knows her name! Everyone loves Miss Carol!

Program OperationsReturn to top of page

Classrooms and Daily Routine

In an inclusive developmental day center, children who have special needs are included in the program along with children who are developing typically. At capacity, White Plains Children Center serves 51 children from 2 to 5 years of age.

Child-centered teaching is the primary focus at WPCC. Activities are tailored to each child’s individual needs, allowing every child the opportunity to be challenged, regardless of his or her level of development. A child’s play is the tool for his/her learning and skills are taught in the context in which they are needed.

Classroom Environment

The classrooms are organized into centers or defined interest areas. Activities are planned for each center in which the children move freely throughout each day. The variety of learning centers include:

Dramatic Play
Blocks/Construction
Sand/Water Play
Science/Discovery
Books/Language
Manipulatives/Puzzles/Games
Creative Art
Music

Classroom Schedule

The schedule alternates active and quiet activities throughout the course of the day. Teachers are sensitive to the attention spans of young children and plan accordingly; making activities extensive enough to be challenging and fun, but short enough to avoid overwhelming a child. Each classroom has a schedule posted that lists approximate times of activities. Routine provides security, but flexibility is key in meeting the varying needs of young children as well.

Activity Plans

Teachers plan activities for the learning centers in the classrooms on a weekly basis according to a theme or unit idea. Teachers strive to be culturally aware and sensitive in their approach to planning. They plan concrete activities that can be modified to meet the needs of all children as well as provide challenges in skill development. A copy of the activity plans are always posted in the classroom.

Outdoor Play Yard

Children have an opportunity to participate in outdoor play each day. Given the moderate climate indigenous to the area, children will use the playground twice daily.

WPCC has two play yard areas. The Cubs and Pandas have full access to a play yard built to specifications for children ages 2 years to three years. A play yard built to specifications for children ages three to five years is provided for the Bears and Chipmunks. Both play yards are routinely examined for safety hazards, and regular maintenance upkeep is provided. Weekly activities are planned for the following areas of skill development:

Climbing and crawling
Stretching and sliding
Balancing and coordination
Pulling and pushing
Lifting and building
Digging and pouring
Running and jumping
Pedaling and riding

Support and assistance are provided as needed in order for all children to fully participate in each outdoor activity.

Meals and Menus

Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided daily. Weekly menus are posted on the Parent Bulletin Board outside the office and under Parent Info on this website. All meals are prepared in accordance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program/USDA Requirements for children ages two to six years. WPCC receives reimbursement from the USDA for the meal program. As a result, parents are asked to complete an Income Eligibility Form upon enrollment.

The cook maintains a list of regulated food allowances and prepares meals according to the specific allowances. Any request concerning a significant change in a child’s diet must be discussed with the teacher and accompanied by a doctor’s note.

It has been the experience at WPCC that children will eventually try foods at school that they will not consume at home, simply because the other children are eating a particular food. On occasion, alternatives may be sent from home.

Requests concerning food items may occasionally be made by the teacher to enhance or supplement an activity planned in the classroom.

DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS, NUTS, OR FOODS CONTAINING ANY TYPE OF NUTS, WILL NOT BE SERVED.

We are proud participates of CACFP – Child and Adult Care Food Program

Rest Time

Each child is assigned a cot and cot sheet. It is requested that each child bring a light blanket, travel size pillow and a small sleep toy. Blankets are sent home for laundering on Fridays. Children rest between 1:00 and 3:00. Most children will nap, especially with the assistance of a back rub or gentle rocking. If a child is unable to fall asleep or has outgrown the need to nap, the Awake Group is available for them. Awake Group is staffed by two teachers and provides quiet activities and/or time outside.

Classroom RatiosReturn to top of page

WPCC is committed to providing a quality program for children and families. One of the greatest indicators of a quality program is a high teacher/child ratio that is maintained throughout the day. At WPCC the following ratios are followed:

Pandas

Twelve children, two to three years of age, three teachers

Bears

Fourteen children, three to five years of age, three teachers

Chipmunks

Seventeen children, three to five years of age, three teachers

Cubs (Part-time Class)

Eight children, two years of age, two teachers

Center GoalsReturn to top of page

Program/Curriculum

Goal – Maintain our current 5-Star Rating

Employee

Goal – Ensure all training requirements are filled to meet 5-star rating

Community Involvement & Advocacy

Goal – Ensure community awareness of our program

Goal – Maintain participation in local committees

Financial Management

Goal – Ensure that all tuition is received on time by 7th of each month

Goal – Obtain additional funding and financial support for WPCC through grant writing

Goal – Reach and maintain targeted annual enrollment

Families

Goal – Ensure that family conferences occur as scheduled 2x a year and as needed

Goal – Ensure that all families are meeting their family involvement contract hours

Board of Directors

Goal – Submit all reports as required

Our Staff PositionsReturn to top of page

Equal Employment Opportunity

WPCC is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and state law.

The information below is solely for prospective applicants to learn about our Center and the positions of employment. WPCC is always looking for the best, most qualified people in the industry. After learning about us through this website and reviewing the qualifications of our positions, a qualified individual may contact our Associate Director at 919.469.3522 or email to program@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org, to obtain information about open position(s). The positions listed below are NOT Open positions. Open positions will be posted on the homepage and/or on our FaceBook page.

Early Intervention Coordinator

Education Requirements: BS in Special Education or Early Childhood Education with a B-K license or the Infant/Toddler Certificate.

Duties: Provide special education/early intervention consultation to teachers in classrooms serving children 1 to 3 years. Provide consultation to families of the children.

Special Education Coordinator

Education Requirements: BS in Special Education or Early Childhood Education with a B-K license.

Duties: Coordinates special education services as well as provide consultation to teachers and families for 3-5 year olds.

Associate Director

Education Requirements: BS in Early Childhood Education, BS in Special Education or BA in Child Development and Family Studies. Prefer B-K license.

Duties: Assist Executive Director in program and curriculum development. Identify, develop and implement practices designed to provide cohesiveness throughout the program. Support and assist classroom staff in development and implementation of curriculum. Support and assist in maintaining compliance with child care regulations, and application of current best practices in early childhood education.

Part-Time Teacher

Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and approved child development training. Must be at least 18 years old.

Duties: Provide high-quality physical, emotional and developmental care by being an integral part of the classroom team. Assist the lead teacher and teacher in implementing daily routines and activities with the children.

Teacher

Education Requirements: AAS degree in early childhood education or child development or AAS degree in any major with 12 semester hours in early childhood education or child development. Minimum education is NC Early Childhood Credential and 4 semester hours in early childhood or child development.

Duties: Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities to create a stimulating and nurturing environment for young children. Provide leadership to the classroom when the lead teacher is absent. Plan and implement afternoon activities and supervise afternoon staff to implement these activities.

Lead Teacher (3, 4 & 5 year old classes)

Education Requirements: BS in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Elementary Education or BA in Child Development and Family Studies. Must have B-K license or an active NC teaching license in any of the fields listed above, with a preschool add-on.

Duties: Supervise the classroom team in creating a stimulating and nurturing environment by planning and conducting developmentally appropriate activities, developing relationships with families and ensuring that the philosophy and policies of WPCC are carried out daily.

Lead Teacher (2 year old classes)

Education Requirements: BS degree in Child Development or related field. Minimum is AAS in early childhood, child development or AAS in any major with 12 semester hours in early childhood or child development.

Food Preparation Specialist

Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.

Duties: Provide nutritious meals for the children as established by the Child/Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. Assist with menu preparation. Track and report on daily/weekly meal counts

Part-Time Finance Administrator

Education Requirements: BS in Business Management or Administration or comparable experience and education or associates degree in bookkeeping with at least 4 years experience in accounts payable/receivable. Must have experience with Quick books application. Prefer experience with non-profit fiscal management.

Duties: Coordinate fiscal operations of the Center, manage employee benefits and attend to daily management of office activities.

Contact UsReturn to top of page

Phone number for the Center: 919-469-3522

Director: director@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Assistant Director: program@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Early Intervention Special Education Coordinator:
specialeducationei@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org

Wake County Preschool Services Special Education Coordinator: specialeducationprek@whiteplainschildrenscenter.org