Our History
In July of 1992, The Salvation Army opened a preschool program (Kids Connection Learning Place) to meet the growing needs for quality child care in the greater Lansing area. Later that same year, the program expanded to include infants and toddlers and broadened the curriculum to become a theme based, learning center. In 2002, the program was renamed Beginnings Child Care.
Who We Are
Beginnings Child Care is a licensed program that offers care to families with children six weeks to ten years of age. Care and learning opportunities are provided in a warm, Christian atmosphere that fosters each child's individual needs and goals. Teachers are trained to develop activities that stimulate a child's ability for self regulation, communication, learning and making friends and getting along with peers and kindergarten readiness.
Our Philosophy
We recognize that every child is a unique individual. We offer a developmental age-appropriate, Christian program that is designed to meet the social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of each child. We encourage each child's development of a positive self image and a sense of personal worth in an environment of trust, respect and cooperation. Our focus is for children to gain success in the following areas:
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Self regulation is promoted by assisting children in becoming independent and capable of soothing themselves and directing their own actions.
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Communication and learning skills are learned through teacher direction and allowing for self motivation, and opportunities for hands on learning.
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Making friends and getting along with peers is fostered by offering on going opportunities for children to grow in relationship by modeling and facilitating healthy interactions.
What We Have Earned
Beginnings Child Care has received recognition for the consistent, high quality care that has been provided to families in the Capital area since 1992. The program is a leader in the field of child care and is the top child care program in The Salvation Army's 11 state Central Territory. Beginnings Child Care was a recipient of three Partners Awards from the Michigan House Republican Caucus for community-based care and the 2001 Governor's Quality Care Award. The director is a recipient of the National Administrator's Credential, awarded by the National Child Care Association
Community Partnerships
Beginnings Child Care administrators and teaching staff work with local support groups, Community Mental Health, Ingham County Health Department, Lansing Community College and Michigan State University to offer the latest programs and services to our families while keeping on the cutting edge of trends and goals for children. Begginings Child Care is a partner with Capital Area Community Services and offers full time Head Start. Beginnings Child Care values all families and works diligently to have a program that reflects the cultural diversity of the area.
Our Infant Program
Our infant environment is designed to be warm, predictable and responsive to the varying needs of each infant. We maintain a 1:3, teacher to child ratio. There are opportunities daily for one-on-one interactions with a primary care giver, group interactions with a focus on art and music and alone times to observe their environment. Infant needs and schedules are flexible by nature. Our trained care giving staff promote individual care patterns and work closely with parents to have a continuance of care most like home. Daily records of sleeping, eating and activities are maintained to support this continuance of care.
Our Toddler Program
Our toddler program consists of three individual classrooms, with four children and one teacher, interacting as a group of 12. This style of care allows for one-on-one time with their primary teacher, while also promoting success in a wide range of developmental skills. Our program is flexible for the exploring toddler, yet our teachers provide consistent and comfortable care that fosters their emotional needs. We work with parents to provide a positive and successful toilet-training experience.
Our Preschool Program
This program is designed to offer learning opportunities in a fun, rewarding and positive setting, while also preparing the children for the expectations of kindergarten. The team of two teachers, offer activities that focus on early reading, writing and math skills by building on the physical, language, social and emotional skills that are the foundation of successful early learning. This program is where the CACS Head Start partnership is offered to children age 3 through 5.
Before and After School Program
As a leader in quality education for young children, Beginnings Child Chare has expanded its program to include before and after school care. This includes care for kindergarten half day students and care on days when school is not in session. The program's focus is to provide children ages 5-10 an enriched environment in which to spend their early mornings as they prepare for their school day and a place to call their own in the afternoon. We provide caring, trained professionals who will interact, mentor and provide tutorial and homework assistance. The children will have opportunities for quiet and active expression, computer access, physical activities using our gymnasium and outdoor play areas. Meals are provided with morning and afternoon snack options on school days and a full lunch on days of no school.
All Programs
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Beginnings Child Care participates in the USDA Adult and Child Care Food Program and offers morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack to all children who are eating table foods.
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Begginings Child Care participates with the Department of Human Services for families who are income eligible for child care assistance.
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Begginings Child Care participates with the Office for Young Children and Lansing Community College Women's resource Center scholarships.
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Monthly parent meetings are offered to provide parenting information and an opportunity for parents to grow in relationship with others.
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Developmental assessments are performed with all age groups and Parent/Teacher conferences are provided twice yearly. Parents are invited to participate in their child's care and learning experience.
*Transportation
Lansing Public schools will transport children to and from Post Oak school. We supervise our pick up and drop off location for safety and ease of transitions for the younger child. *Parents will need to make transportation arrangements if their child attends another school.
Questions about the program can be emailed to Lisa_Leonard@usc.salvationarmy.org.
If you are interested in donating to our Child Care Program there are some things that we need.
1. Scholarship money to help families that do not qualify for goverment programs but have a real need
2. Used non-working riding lawn mower for the children's playground
3. Six Angles metal tricycles available at the Teacher's Store