Alexa's PLAYC

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Alexa's PLAYC

Alexa's PLAYC (Playful Learning Academy for Young Children) 

Formerly called the Child Care Center and Toddler School, Alexa's PLAYC provides children with a warm and loving environment that stimulates physical, social, intellectual and emotional growth. Located less than a mile from the main Hospital campus in Serra Mesa, Alexa's PLAYC welcomes children ranging in age from 18 months to 6 years.

Children's Toddler School is now Alexa's PLAYC

Alexa's PLAYC is an educational program designed to integrate early education for typically developing children and children with or at-risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Alexa's PLAYC curriculum focuses on teaching developmentally appropriate communication, cognitive and social skills and fosters independence in activities of daily living for all children involved. New students entering Alexa's PLAYC will receive a developmental screening to ensure that placement is appropriate.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with or at-risk for an ASD access services at Alexa's PLAYC through California Early Start. The program provides specialized instruction, which fulfills the child's individual family service plan. An interdisciplinary team of experts develops goals and curriculum for the program. Goals include acceleration of children's development in language, social interaction and independent self-care skills. A naturalistic "incidental teaching" approach supports children's learning as they play in a nurturing environment. Teachers are trained in a variety of treatment methodologies currently used to facilitate the development of young children with autism. Children attend Alexa's PLAYC for a morning or afternoon session, four hours per day, five days per week. The program includes a parent-training component. Alexa's PLAYC is a California Early Start infant program.

Typically Developing Toddlers

During the 2009/2010 school year, Alexa's PLAYC will offer two toddler programs:

One classroom will provide a developmentally rich curriculum for toddlers 24-30 months of age. This classroom follows a traditional development curriculum and is staffed with one adult for every five children.

We also offer two inclusion toddler classrooms. Our inclusive program provides routine, though highly enriched and specialized, day care for typically developing toddlers who become peers for the toddlers at risk. Alexa's PLAYC focuses on teaching developmentally appropriate communication, cognitive and social skills and fosters independence in activities of daily living for all children involved.

The program is based on the philosophy that children learn best when they are having fun, so our teachers are specially trained to use the children's natural interest in their environment as teaching opportunities. Our low child-to-teacher ratio allows us to meet the individual needs of each child in the program. Our research has shown that even the most advanced children benefit from learning settings which include children of different ability levels by gaining increased social skills as well as a greater understanding of individual differences. Admission is open to children 18 months to 30 months at program entry.

Preschool Program

Our preschool program creates an environment that encourages curiosity and offers challenges to stimulate development. The daily schedule provides activities that include indoor/outdoor play, quiet and active times, and projects that enhance large muscle/small muscle development. The curriculum helps children build social and self-help skills as well as to advance their physical, creative and intellectual development.

During the 2009-2010 school year, we will have four typical preschool classrooms for children ages 2-5 years. Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, we will offer inclusion preschool classrooms. Contact Alise Spratley at 858-966-8555 for more information.

The trained staff of more than 30 teachers focuses on each child's safety and overall development, giving parents peace of mind when they drop off their children. Alexa's PLAYC operates an "open door" policy that welcomes parental visits at any time.

Alexa's PLAYC is licensed by the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division and conforms to all state laws regulating the operation of a day care center. Alexa's PLAYC is also a vendored infant program serving children under age 3 with or at risk for autism spectrum disorders.

Alexa's PLAYC is currently accepting applications for children 18 months to 6 years. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 858-966-8555.