USM Child and Family Centers

OUR MISSION AND PURPOSE

USM Child & Family Centers support the mission of the University of Southern Maine through the provision of a self-supporting, comprehensive array of quality services. The overall program is designed to facilitate and support the family, the employment relationship, and the student academic relationship within the institution. The services will be available to the children of USM students and employees, area USM and University of Maine system alumni, relatives of current USM employees and retirees, and, as appropriate, the community-at-large. Fundamental and central to the services is the support and enhancement of the developmental needs of children so evidenced by their psychological, social, physical, cultural and educational experiences. Through multi-site center care the primary focus of the services is on children from infancy to age five. Programs for school-aged children include: summer camp and vacation camps for youth from ages 5 through 13. Both centers have flex-time schedules to accommodate the needs of the various populations we serve.

The provision of child care services is one of many key factors in the recruitment and retention of certain employees and students. In addition, the program, through an interdisciplinary approach, may support many of the academic programs of the University through intern experiences, observation and appropriate research.

USM Child & Family Centers, as a program entity, also has a public service dimension. Through program offerings and staff involvement, there is an interrelationship with a variety of citizens and professional organizations at the local, state, regional and national levels.

USM Child & Family Centers are child-centered, family-oriented programs which promote a developmental approach to the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of children. We believe these areas of growth do not evolve separately, but rather support and strengthen each other. We feel that learning - more than the mere accumulation of facts and the acquisition of skills - is a process of living.

USM Child & Family Centers are deeply committed to the provision of programs and services which are enriched through the admissions of children of any ethnic origin, culture and/or religion. It promotes their acceptance, while at the same time valuing their uniquenesses. We encourage respect for cultural, physical, economic and religious differences. Striving to create a nurturing and trusting environment, we foster self-esteem, competence and confidence. It is our hope that the experiences we provide will have a lasting positive effect on the children and families we serve.