Programs



Programming from 6 weeks to 12 years

ACPC provides early learning and care for infants and children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age, allowing families to enjoy continuity of care for their loved ones from infancy through adolescence. ACPC children participate in planned activities geared toward their developmental levels. Full day programming is available for children up to Kindergarten. Before and after school care is provided at a variety of sites in Ames for school age children.


All sites operated by ACPC are licensed by the State Department of Human Services. ACPC policies and state regulations ensure that all children are supervised in safe, yet warm and relaxing environments. The sites we operate are located in downtown Ames or in neighborhood schools to ease the travel time for our parents and children.


See tuition and rates.

Our Programming

Is Made for Everybody!

Infants

Programming for 6 weeks to 1 year


Our Role Poly room opened on September 1, 2023 to meet the needs of Ames families with few childcare options for this delicate age in town. We are thankful to the City of Ames for their guidance and support in making ACPC's dream of offering programming throughout infancy and childhood possible.


 ACPC's beautiful infant space follows an emergent curriculum approach wherein our teachers thoughtfully plan the classroom's environment, activities, and sensory experiences based on students' skills and needs. Teachers take detailed observations daily and utilize reflective practice to support child development.


Tour the Roly Poly space virtually!


Toddlers

Programming for children 12 months-3 years old.


ACPC's toddler program is play based and child lead through the use of Creative Curriculum® for toddlers & twos. The program facility offers three playgrounds, an outdoor classroom and garden, as well as a large green space. Our teachers provide unique real world connections to classroom learning through a variety of in house and occasional traveling field trips carefully chosen for each topic. 


Our teachers work to intentionally teach and reinforce social emotional skills through the use of Program-Wide Pyramid Model Practices. Children's development is monitored through regular observation and documentation. Our teachers have access to bidirectional messaging, share information, pictures, and videos on an ongoing basis through use of the Procare Connect app as well as data and goal setting at family conferences three times each school year.

Preschool Age

For ages 3 through Pre-K, ACPC's preschool program is play based and child led through the use of Creative Curriculum®. The program facility offers three playgrounds, an outdoor classroom and garden, as well as a large green space. Our teachers provide unique real-world connections to classroom learning through a variety of Field Trips carefully chosen for each topic. 


Our teachers work to intentionally teach and reinforce social emotional skills through the use of Second Step® and Program-Wide Pyramid Model Practices. Children's development is monitored through regular observation and documentation. Our teachers have access to bidirectional messaging, share information, pictures, and videos on an ongoing basis through use of the Procare Connect app as well as data and goal setting at family conferences three times each school year.

After School Programming for Grades K-5

ACPC hosts out-of-school learning from 2:45 pm to 6:00 pm during days of in school attendance onsite at each Ames Community School District Elementary building. Our program provides a mix of student-led and adult-led enrichment activities with time scheduled each day outdoors and after-school snacks provided.

Summer Camp and Day Camp for Grades K-5

ACPC hosts full-day (7:00 am to 6:00 pm) programming for many days of school closure during the academic year including summer camp, winter break, spring break, and most professional development days. Children who regularly attend ACPC's after-school programming have access to enrollment early, but summer camp is open to all families in the community.

Need more information or have questions? Contact us today at 515-233-2901.

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