{"id":50,"date":"2014-08-05T17:45:47","date_gmt":"2014-08-05T17:45:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/child-development-centers\/?page_id=50"},"modified":"2026-03-05T09:26:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T14:26:56","slug":"providence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/child-development-centers\/providence\/","title":{"rendered":"Providence CDC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center<\/h1>\n\n\n
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Located in downtown Providence\u2019s Shepard Company Building, the Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center (CDC) is a two year high-quality early care and education program for children 3 and 4 years of age. The CDC enrolls a maximum of 34 children in two spacious, mixed aged classrooms<\/del>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The director<\/a> of the Providence Child Development Center is a professional staff member in Human Development and Family Studies and has experience leading educational programs for young children. The director also contributes to the learning experiences of university students by teaching early childhood education courses and supervising practicum experiences at the Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our <\/strong>teaching staff includes teachers<\/a> certified in early childhood education by the Rhode Island Department of Education and are required to hold a bachelor\u2019s degree in early childhood education. Many of our teachers pursue their master\u2019s degree and engage in other professional development activities while at the Child Development Center, highlighting their dedication to young children and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Community of Young Learners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We value and respect the uniqueness of each child. The classroom environment is designed to enhance the development of each child to the fullest extent. Children learn through meaningful play experiences carefully planned to match interests, learning styles, and abilities. NAEYC and Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards shape our curriculum framework. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the whole child through a play-oriented, integrated approach. Our curriculum includes a consistent daily schedule, a well-defined classroom environment, positive verbal climate, a range of high quality instructional strategies, and open-ended activities reflecting a diverse world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Based on the belief that children are best understood within the context of their family and community, we strive to foster strong reciprocal relationships with families and to use knowledge of the community we serve as an integral part of children\u2019s learning experiences. We seek to understand families\u2019 personal and cultural backgrounds, create and maintain effective two-way communication, and support and nurture family members to be effective advocates for their children. Families are encouraged to work in partnership sharing their knowledge of their child\u2019s interests, approaches to learning and developmental needs. Through this strong relationship we learn about families\u2019 concerns, goals and hopes for each child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fieldwork Experiences for URI Students<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center provides University of Rhode Island students the opportunity to apply knowledge and improve practice. Students enrolled in Human Development and Family Studies and Early Childhood Teacher Certification classes complete supervised field experiences in a supportive environment. Teachers serve as models of best practice related to work with young children, challenging URI students to be reflective, utilize feedback, and set individual goals. Each semester, the CDC is a practicum setting for over 30 students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to practicum experiences, other URI courses require students to visit the CDC for observations and interviews. Through carefully designed assignments, URI students gain knowledge of child development, high-quality environment design, intentional teacher interactions that improve outcomes for children and the field of early care and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community Partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a leader in the community, the Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center staff are committed to advancing the field of early childhood education. The CDC staff participates in projects designed to shape and guide the course of early care and education in our state: Rhode Island Workforce Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, RI Early Learning and Development Standards Project, the Preschool Development Grant and the RI Department of Human Services Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center is open year-round. An optional 8 week summer program is available to currently enrolled families or incoming academic year families. Families may choose from two program options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n