Contact: Racquel Hamm, 206-6610
SPRINGFIELD - Cox Children’s Center
at the University of Illinois at Springfield has been chosen by the University
of Illinois Extension Office to be one of two test sites for its newly
developed Teachable Moments curriculum for pre-K through second grade students.
Teachable Moments is a character-building curriculum that uses activities to: enhance the development of positive character by incorporating everyday classroom sessions into mini-lessons; provide a resource for teachers to capture opportunities to teach about positive character; and reinforce activities introducing the six pillars of good character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship).
Racquel Hamm, center director, noted, “Schools have recognized the
need for character development within their curriculum, and Teachable Moments
is being developed to help schools and educators meet this need.”
She explained that children and teachers at the center will experience
these moments in small groups in pre-school during the day and in school age
classes during evening care.
For the next two months, center
staff will use Teachable Moments and provide feedback and comments to the
extension office about its usefulness and validity to pre-K education. Their
experiences will help to further refine and develop the curriculum.
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“We are excited with this opportunity to collaborate with another
branch of the University community and associate with the larger scope of the
University of Illinois system,” Hamm said.
Considered one of the best pre-schools and childcare facilities in the
Springfield area, the center is accredited by the National Association for the
Education of Young Children. Staff provide toddler care for children 15 months
to 2 years of age, offer pre-K classes with extended care for ages 3 to 5, and
provide after-school care for ages 5 to 12. Applications and current fee
schedules are available at the center. Space is limited. For further
information, phone (217) 206‑6610.
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