Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center
Program Information
by Lucille Sibert
August 09, 2007
School District of University City
Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center
737 Kingsland Ave
University City, MO 63130
314-721-2965
Lucille M. Sibert, Principal
Background
Information:
The newest building in the School District, The Julia
Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center (JGECEC) officially
opened on March 18, 1996. Covering an area of 27,000 square feet,
the building includes 12 classrooms, a parent observation room, a
multipurpose room, a fully equipped kitchen and a developmentally
appropriate preschool playground. It encompasses the following
School District of University City programs: Parents as Teachers,
Title I Pre-kindergarten, Tuition Preschool, Early Childhood
Special Education and the Early Childhood Resource Center
(Educare). YWCA Head Start and the Monsanto YMCA before and
aftercare program are also located at the center.
Mission
Statement:
The Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center’s
mission is to partner with families of children prenatal to
kindergarten as they gain knowledge through developmentally
appropriate practices that encourage curiosity, creativity and
responsibility while providing a strong foundation for successful
life-long learning.
Screening
721-2965
Developmental screenings are offered in general
development, language, hearing, vision and physical development.
Children ages six through thirty-six months are screened through
Parents as Teachers. Screening for three to five year olds is
scheduled at the center.
Parents as
Teachers (PAT) 721-4120
This parent education program offers personal visits and
activities for families expecting a child or families with children
birth to kindergarten entry. Research based neuroscience
information is offered to enable parents to maximize their child’s
learning potential. Resource materials and developmental health,
hearing and vision screenings are also provided. Parents and
Children Together (PACT) meetings are held to encourage
parent/child interaction and participation in discussions on
selected parenting topics. Group meetings inform parents and
encourage parent/child participation.
Title I
Pre-Kindergarten 721-2965
Title I preschool is a federally funded program that
provides enriching early childhood experiences prior to
kindergarten entry. Children who have reached their third or fourth
birthday by July 31 can be screened to determine eligibility. Four
year olds are prioritized for placement. Parental involvement is a
requirement. Parent/child group activities and parent teacher
conferences encourage a strong school-home connection. Classes meet
Monday through Friday. Full day classes meet 8:30 a.m. until 3:30
p.m.
Early Childhood
Special Education (ECSE) 721-2965
The School District of University City provides special
education services for children with developmental delays who are
ages three through kindergarten entry. Referrals from community
agencies, screening, and Parents as Teachers help in identifying
students for intervention. Diagnostic testing, evaluation, writing
of Individual Education Plans (IEP) and delivery of most services
are available at the center. It is often possible to provide
necessary special services within the classroom setting, thereby
allowing the child to receive the benefit of inclusion as well as
support needed to develop to potential. Specification of IEP
services determines ½ day or full day attendance.
Tuition Program
721-2965
Families have the option of paying tuition ($80.00
weekly) for their children to attend full day preschool classes.
There is a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee. The tuition fee
is for attendance during the school day 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Before and After
Care
The Monsanto YMCA provides before care (7:30 to 8:30
a.m.) and after care (3:30 to 6:00 p.m.) in the multipurpose room
for families with students attending full day. If you are
interested in enrolling your child contact Ms. Sharon Holbrooks
(314) 367-4646 ext. 36.
Educare Early
Childhood Resource Center 721-5401
Educare is designated to promote high quality early care
and education. Services include training and technical assistance
for community childcare facilities. The Early Childhood Lending
Library is stocked with educational and developmentally appropriate
books, toys, games and audio-visual resources that may be borrowed
by University City residents with children birth to five years
old.
YWCA St. Louis
County Head Start 725-2517
Head Start is a comprehensive service delivery program
for families of children who meet income eligibility guidelines.
Children must have reached their third or fourth birthday by July
31. Half-day class meets four days per week. Full day class is
offered to parents who work full-time or attend school and meets
five days per week, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and some
snacks are provided. Home visits by teachers and parent
participation are key components.
8/07