Infant Toddler Program
HRG-UCLCC’s Infant/Toddler Program offers children ages six weeks- two years old a safe, stimulating environment in which to grow and develop. During the child’s first two years of life, they change and develop at a rapid pace. The skills they acquire during this time create the foundation of healthy development. We believe that our infants and toddlers learn best in a warm, nurturing environment that is supportive of their individual needs. Your child is encouraged to explore a wide variety of age-appropriate, hands-on activities at his or her own interest and pace. Our teachers are sensitive and respectful of each child’s individuality. We encourage each child to develop a joyful confidence with which to explore our changing world. Our mixed-age-group setting maximizes your child’s exposure to a wide range of learning and developmental opportunities.
Parents are welcome to visit at any time and are encouraged to participate. We believe a relationship of mutual respect and support between parents and teachers promotes a positive environment for your child’s well-being.
What Parents Need to Provide:
- Formula/Breast Milk/Juice (if not participating in our food program)
- Bottles/Nipples
- Diapers & Diaper Wipes (Labeled)
- Extra Clothing
- 2 boxes Kleenex
- 2-3 family photos with name on the back
Preschool
We provide a nationally accredited program for preschool children from 2 to 4 years old. The preschool is open Monday through Friday during our regular hours of center operations. UWSP students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community may apply.
A positive early start sets the stage for later learning. Our Preschool classes offer opportunities to allow children to build on their level of understanding.
We encourage:
- Mastering large and small motor skills
- Awareness of five senses
- Developing good self image
- Mastering more independence and self help
- Self expression skills
- Developing healthy social relations
- Respecting diversity
- Relationships in place, size, weight, numbers, letters, etc.
- Clarification of color geometric spaces, family, animals, foods, etc.
- Exploring language, art, drama, music, science, literature
- Encouraging curiosity and problem solving
- Enhancing creativity in play and thought
The center’s strong emphasis on family, community and culture is promoted with developmentally appropriate practices and the Reggio Emilia Instpired Approach. Educational learning goals are based on the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, developed through classroom observation as well as child and program assessments.
Pre-4K Program
The Pre-4K program operates Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons weekly from 1 – 3 p.m. Children must be 4 years old to participate in this program and be potty trained. The Pre-4K program runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
School preparations are stressed in a developmentally appropriate environment. Many hands-on learning activities are provided in the child-centered classroom to help develop the whole child. Child development is focused on in the areas of health and physical, social and emotional, language and communication, approaches to learning, and cognition and general knowledge. Reading, movement, art projects, daily chores, dramatic play, block building, and quiet play are just some of the activities incorporated into a well-rounded early learning curriculum. The daily plans are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, reflecting the world around us and the interests of the students.
4K Prekindergarten
We offer an AM 4K session 8:35 – 11:45 Monday through Thursday. Children are required to attend 2 full or 2 half days of wrap around child care before and/or after 4K programming Monday through Thursday or Fridays (UWSP Student Parents are excluded from this requirement). The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) will be used as a guideline for four-year-old kindergarten. The Second Step curriculum which promotes emotional management and recognition, empathy training, and role playing is intergrated into the WMELS curriculum standards. WMELS allow the program to be play-based and child-initiated.
All families eligable to register their child for Four Year Old Kindergarten (4K) can do so at the Bliss Educational Services Center located at 1900 Polk Street in Stevens Point.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please call the Bliss Center at (715) 345-5445 or our program at (715) 346-4370
Click on the Stevens Point School District link to find out more information
https://www.pointschools.net/Page/7899
District community partner 4K sites have Virtual Open Houses
that can be found at the following link:
4k times for the 2026-27 school year will be Monday – Thursday, 8:35 – 11:45 a.m.
Four Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) registration for the 2026-27 school year is scheduled for the week of January 26-30, 2026. In an effort to streamline and make more convenient the 4K registration process, registration is online. If a family has no computer or internet access, accommodations will be made at the BLISS Educational Services Center, during the week of January 26-30, 2026. Please check this site for updated information on the online registration process. Registration will continue until the school year begins in the fall. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026 to enroll.
Pre-4K Program
Just miss the 4K age cut-off? Wanting to wait an additional year before starting your child? Looking for a shorter, socialization opportunity for your child? Considering skipping 4K but still wanting your child to have an abbreviated expereince? This is the program for you!
The Pre-4K program operates Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons weekly from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Children must be 4 years old to participate in this program and be potty trained. The Pre-4K program runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
School preparations are stressed in a developmentally appropriate environment. Many hands-on learning activities are provided in the child-centered classroom to help develop the whole child. Child development is focused on in the areas of health and physical, social and emotional, language and communication, approaches to learning, and cognition and general knowledge. Reading, movement, art projects, daily chores, dramatic play, block building, and quiet play are just some of the activities incorporated into a well-rounded early learning curriculum. The daily plans are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, reflecting the world around us and the interests of the students.
Summer
The Summer Program is open to all and begins when the Univeristy Acedemic year ends in May &/or School District year ends in June and runs through the end of August. Scheduling during this time is flexible.
In the summer we are open Monday through Friday (June 8-Aug. 28, 2026) from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. The Infant/Toddler Program is available only if their quota needs are met (families will be notified in the monthly center newsletter).
Summer activities include: swimming lessons at the UWSP swimming pool, field trips, art/crafts, drama, nature walks, picnics, gardening, computer labs, outside activities (games/sports), motor development and much more.
Calendar of Events (example)…..
Interim Sessions
There are two Interim sessions (semester breaks):
- January Interim: January 5-16, 2026 (Closed Monday, January 19)
- Summer Session: June 8-August 28, 2026
Families may register by the week. Infant/Toddler care is only offered during interim sessions IF there is enough of a need from the families.
Daily Schedule & Curriculum
Starlight
The Starlight Group children are 6 weeks to 2 years old. The UCLCC program goals for infants and toddlers are to provide your child with a safe, nurturing, positive environment. This gives your child the opportunity to grow physically and mentally. Each child has the opportunity to explore and experiment according to the individual needs and development of the child.
Throughout the day infants are held, talked to, sung to, read to, and taken for walks outside when the weather permits. Talking, singing, and reading aloud to infants are essential for language development. Listening, responding, and imitating words are daily occurrences in the infant/toddler room. Through the use of quality staff, music, books and developmentally appropriate infant/toddler materials the environment supports appropriate growth and development of your child. Our curriculum for the infant/toddler room is designed to enhance the development of each child’s mind and body and develop their social, emotional, and physical skills. Creative activities give your child their first experiences to enjoy art, music, and dramatic play. These activities create the building blocks for future social growth and give the child a chance to participate independently, talk, think, and explore their ever-changing world.
Daily Schedule (Toddler)
*Each infant on individual schedules
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Arrival/Exploring Time |
| 8:30 – 9 a.m. | Snack |
| 9 – 10:20 a.m. | Learning Activity Time (art, sensory, etc.) |
| 10:20 – 10:30 a.m. | Group Time/Sing Songs |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Outside (walk, playground) or rainy day activities |
| 11:30 a.m. – noon | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Rest/Quiet Time – Read Stories/Soft Music |
| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | Snack |
| 3 – 3:30 p.m. | Exploring Time |
| 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Outside (walk, playground) or rainy day activities |
| 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Departures |
Bunny
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Open – 8:30 a.m. | Gathering/Choice Time (Bunny Room) – Children choose activities |
| 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. | Breakfast, Bathroom |
| 9:15 – 10 a.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 10 – 11 a.m. (Bathrooms at 11 a.m.) | Limited Choice, Group Time – Activities at learning centers-i.e. creative arts, dramatic play, etc.-and teachers implement small group activities focusing on skill-building activities and observational assessment. Activities may include morning routines, songs, finger plays, calendar, sharing, featured activity, etc. |
| 11:30 – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch, Bathroom |
| 12:15 – 2:15 p.m. | Rest/Quiet Time – Most children nap or rest quietly. As children wake they can select fun quiet activities such as drawing, writing, books, etc. |
| 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. | Bathroom, Snack |
| 3:15 – 4 p.m. | Choice Time/Story Time – Children choose activities |
| 3 – 4 p.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 4 -4:15 p.m. | Transition/Bathroom |
| 4 p.m. – Close (Bathrooms at 4:30 p.m.) | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 5 p.m. – Close | End of Day Closings – Stories, quiet activities |
Playhouse
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Open – 8:45 a.m. | Free Choice/Morning Group Welcome (Rainbow Room 7:30 – 8 a.m., 8 a.m. to Playhouse) – Children choose activities, multi-age collaboration |
| 9 – 9:45 a.m. | Breakfast, Bathroom |
| 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Limited Choice/Large Motor/Group Time – Activities at learning centers-i.e. creative arts, dramatic play, etc.-and teachers implement small group activities focusing on skill-building activities and observational assessment. Activities may include morning routines, songs, finger plays, calendar, sharing, featured activity, etc. |
| 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 11:30 – 11:45 a.m. | Transition/Bathroom |
| 11:45 – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch, Bathroom |
| 12:30 – 2:15 p.m. | Rest – Most children nap or rest quietly. As children wake they can select fun quiet activities such as drawing, writing, books, etc. |
| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | Snack, Bathroom |
| 3 – 4 p.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 4 -4:15 p.m. | Transition/Bathroom |
| 4:15 – 5 p.m. | Choice Time/Story Time – Children choose activities |
| 5 p.m. – Close | End of Day Closings (Bunny Room) – Stories, quiet activities, multi-age collaboration |
Rainbow
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Open – 8 a.m. | Free Choice/Morning Group Welcome – Children choose activities, multi-age collaboration |
| 8 – 9:15 a.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor (4K begins @ 8:30 a.m.) – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. | Breakfast, Bathroom |
| 9:45 – 10 a.m. | Morning Meeting and Group Time – Calendar, Share time, Stories, music |
| 10 – 10:20 a.m. | SMART Time – Whole body development, fine and gross motor |
| 10:20 – 11:20 a.m. | Choice time – Activities may include centers, small group, etc. Active exploration and discovery |
| 11:20 – 11:45 a.m. | Story Time (4K ends – pick up at 11:40 a.m.) |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch, Bathroom |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature |
| 1:30 – 2 p.m. | Learning Activities – Various educational activities, story, group discussion |
| 2 – 2:30 p.m. | Rest/Quiet Activities – Children select fun quiet activities such as drawing, writing, books, etc. Time to calm our bodies |
| 2:30 – 3 p.m. | Snack, Bathroom |
| 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Free choice – Children select activities, discovery, exploration |
| 4:30 – 5 p.m. | Outdoor Play/Gross Motor – Children select activities, explore nature, join playhouse group |
| 5 p.m. – Close | End of Day Closings (Playhouse Room) – Stories, quiet activities, multi-age collaboration |
The Curriculum
The UCLCC provides quality learning experiences and care for infants, toddlers, pre-school, 4K and school age children. The UCLCC learning environment is cognitively stimulating, aesthetically pleasing and fosters children’s emotional, social, physical and cognitive growth. The center’s strong emphasis on nurturing relationships, family, community and culture is promoted with developmentally appropriate practices through the Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach, Conscious Discipline, and nature-based programming.
The UCLCC curriculum is a guide created to define learning objectives and create teaching standards that are fluid throughout the four UCLCC classrooms. It has been designed to serve UCLCC children from 6 weeks to 6 years. The curriculum considers developmental differences and is meant to be flexible and meet the child where they are at. The curriculum also serves as an indicator for ongoing professional development of staff. In accordance with UCLCC’s emphasis on program-family partnership, the curriculum has been created to encourage family involvement, and establish ongoing meaningful communication with families.
At UCLCC teachers plan and implement age appropriate and play-based activities. Activities are inspired by the children’s interests and adapted to each child’s individual needs. Plans for execution of curriculum are developed through classroom observation as well as child and program assessments. Educational learning goals are based on the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
All programming for children six weeks of age and older follow the NAEYC Accreditations Standards for age appropriate developmental programming. The program activities are planned to enhance all children to learn their best for their own unique individual abilities. Activities are age and time appropriate. Group and individual activities all follow The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, a Reggio-inspired philosophy with an emphasis on environmental education, Conscious Discipline, child-inquiry based learning, and NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate practices.
What is the Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach? The Reggio Emilia approach is a child-centered philosophy that sees children as capable, curious learners who build knowledge through exploration, collaboration, and sensory experiences.
What is nature-based education? Nature-based learning uses the natural environment to support hands-on, holistic education. It nurtures curiosity, cognitive and physical skills, and social-emotional growth while improving academic performance, reducing stress, and deepening environmental connection.
What is Conscious Discipline? Conscious Discipline is a brain-based program that helps adults and children understand and regulate emotions and behaviors.