The Cynthia White Children’s Center (CWCC) opened in 1990, and was named after the then head of school’s wife, who was instrumental to its creation. The facility is just down the road from Sprole field.
Since its opening, CWCC has provided preschool education for the children of faculty, staff, and local community members.
CWCC is open to children aged eight weeks to five years. The center currently has seven children in the infant room, eight in the toddler room, and sixteen in the preschool room.
Each room is tailored to its age group, but they all focus on experiential learning to expand curiosity, foster creativity, and equip children with the necessary skills to connect with others and the world.
The center’s small size creates a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Ms. Athena Colucci, director of the center, said, “Care is our curriculum.”
Ms. Melyssa White, infant room lead teacher, said, “The children love us. We are their home away from home. They feel safe here, and we protect this special bond.”
Toddlers and preschoolers often go on outings around campus or in the local community.
Annual traditions include visits from local firefighters, who teach fire safety and invite students to sit in their fire trucks; a holiday music concert when students sing for family members; trick-or-treating at campus offices for the preschoolers on Halloween; and visits from local dentists, who teach proper brushing techniques and oral hygiene.
Ms. Kristin Allyn, associate director of the CWCC and preschool room head teacher, said, “At this age, the children are excited to learn, excited to explore. We can make anything fun.”
This fall, the center held a dance for families at Fairfield Farm with food and games. Before winter break, teachers organized a lantern walk, where the children decorated lanterns and walked around campus with their families.
The center is looking forward to hosting a gardening event this spring.
Half of the children attending CWCC come from Hotchkiss families, while the other half come from the local community, so these events not only provide an opportunity for parents to bond with their children but for families to get to know one another.
Families traditionally gather together for an open house at the beginning of the year and a potluck on the last day of classes in June.
The teachers at the CWCC are always looking to collaborate with student volunteers and campus organizations, such as St. Luke’s Society and Jr. Bearcats, and encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering with the children to reach out.
