Children's Services

Mission:

To build unlimited opportunities for children with and without disabilities through quality, inclusive childcare, benefitting the child, the parents, and our surrounding communities.

About Goldman School and Child Development Center

Goldman School and Child Development Center (CDC) is a Type III, Licensed, Three Star Quality Rated Child Development Center for children ages 8 weeks to 5 years old. Children with and without disabilities are given the opportunity to grow and learn together in a year-round program. Goldman offers support to young children and their families while valuing each child's unique strengths and honoring diversity among families.

History

Goldman School and Child Development Center was built at 351 Jordan Street in 1962. It consisted of three classrooms serving 42 preschoolers on a split day schedule. In 1974, the Infant Intervention Program was initiated to include therapeutic services for children ages birth to three. In 1987, Goldman School and CDC began integrating typically developing children into the program as peer models. This was the first inclusive child development center in the state and it was later replicated throughout Louisiana.

Today

Goldman School & Child Development Center is an inclusive child care that serves children with and without disabilities. Children may start at 8 weeks of age (after their 2 month shots have been given), and attend through the age of 5. We have 11 classrooms and room for 95 children. Our staff to child ratios are very low: 1:3 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers and twos, and 1:7 for preschoolers. The staff and administration at Goldman have a commitment to excellence and service. Our teachers must possess, or be working towards, their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential at minimum. Some teachers hold AA or BA degrees, and our 25 direct care staff members represent 200 years of experience working with children with special needs.

30% - children ages 0-5 with developmental disabilities

20% - children ages 0-3 eligible for Highland/Stoner Early Head Start

50% - typically developing children ages 0-5

Early Intervention Site

Goldman School and Child Development Center is an early intervention site. Through the Early Steps system, eligible children ages 0-3 may receive their services during their daily routines at Goldman School. These services may include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language therapy, special instruction, and consultation with child care workers, families, and other providers.

Early Head Start

Early Head Start services are provided to infants and toddlers in the Highland/Stoner Hill area through a partnership with Caddo Community Action Agency. Eligible children experience quality early learning in Early Head Start classrooms or through home visits.

Inclusive Education

Inclusive educational environments benefit children with and without disabilities. In addition to increased academic performance, research shows that children in inclusive classrooms also: demonstrate increased acceptance and appreciation of diversity, develop better communication and social skills, show greater development in moral and ethical principles, create caring friendships, and demonstrate increased self-esteem. The children develop a greater appreciation for one another when learning side by side. Not to mention, this program is unique in that it provides an opportunity for families who have multiple young children, with and without disabilities, to attend the same quality childcare center.