Mission Statement
The Madison House Day Care program extends its services to the children of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. University of Virginia student volunteers work with teachers to lower the adult-to-child ratio in area day care centers. The volunteers provide assistance to day care staff and secondary care for children. In a day care center, the adult-to-child ratio is never small enough and the volunteer can be a big help. The child receives more attention when an extra adult is present. And there can never be too many positive role models in a child's environment!
Who benefits from the Day Care Program?
Our program focuses on children. The children who receive your help include:
*Children of members of the University community, such as professors and staff
*Children of single-parent families
*Children of families in which both parents work
*Children of parents who are participating in study or training programs
*Children for whom child care has been deemed essential to the mental or physical well-being of the family
The Day Care program serves approximately 400 children whose backgrounds range from homeless or low-income to professional families, as well as many infant centers at which our volunteers lend a much-needed hand.
Program Sites
Who We Serve
Barrett Day Care Center
Barrett Early Learning Center is located on 410 Ridge Street in downtown Charlottesville. The Daycare has a 2-3 year old classroom and a 4-5 year old classroom, and all together, the center has more than forty children enrolled! The teachers at Barrett try to create an educational and nurturing environment both in and outside of the classroom. Volunteers should follow the teachers' models and help the children in a way that teaches them both independence and interdependence with their other classmates. Overall, Barrett Early Learning Center is a fun-loving and energetic site that is in need of enthusiastic volunteers!
For more information about this site, contact: Ally Baxter, ajb3b@virginia.edu
Chancellor Street Preschool
Chancellor Street Preschool serves children from ages 3 to 5, and it's the perfect place to run around with precocious preschoolers. Chancellor Street is a morning co-op located right on the Corner, and as a co-op, parents join the volunteers in helping the children each morning. Also, Chancellor Street is filled with great resources, and the children learn by singing songs, doing crafts, and reading stories about the theme of the day (musical instruments, animals, etc.). Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m, and there couldn't be a cheerier way to start the day! Volunteers can get to Chancellor Street by walking to the corner, or by taking the free trolley.
For more information about this site, contact: Heather Kileff, hrk3x@virginia.edu
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel will be new to the Daycare program this year! CBI serves kids from ages two to kindergarten, in different classrooms, so it gives volunteers the chance to be with a very specific age group. CBI is very open to volunteers of all faiths, but volunteers will come into contact with the Jewish religion while at the daycare. CBI is two blocks from the Downtown Mall, so getting there is easy. You can either take the free Trolley, or they will pay for your parking.
For more information about this site, contact: Sara Friedman, saf4z@virginia.edu
Molly Michie Preschool
Molly Michie Preschool is located at 717 Rugby Road, right behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church. Molly Michie is a co-op preschool, meaning that parents take turns working there along with the teachers. You'll be meeting lots of parents, as well as getting to know the teachers and students. It, often times, provides wonderful babysitting opportunities as well. The staff, parents, and students at Molly Michie love having Madison House volunteers, and volunteering at Molly Michie is all play, no work!
For more information about this site, contact: Laura McLaughlin, lrm6q@virginia.edu
Wesley Community Child Care Center
Wesley Community Childcare Center is a daycare located conveniently within walking distance of grounds and first year dorms, right across from the Newcomb parking garage, behind the Wesley United Methodist Church on Emmet Street. The daycare serves children from all over the Charlottesville Community from infants to five years- olds. There are five rooms full of kids of varying ages to volunteer in, all with friendly teachers eager for your help and kids who look forward to your visit every week. Whether you are helping to feed the babies or taking the Pre-K class out to the playground, it is great break from stressful academics. Have fun and make a difference in a child's day at Wesley!
For more information about this site, contact: Caroline Leslie, ccl5f@virginia.edu or Amanda Steen, ams4ve@virginia.edu
Westminster Child Care Center
Westminster is conveniently located on Rugby Road, right beside Beta Bridge. It is a private daycare center for ages 3 weeks to 5 years. The classrooms are Ladybugs, Fireflies, Tadpoles, Climbers, Crickets, and Stars! This site is great because of its location, the age range, the wonderful staff, and the welcoming atmosphere! The staff would love you help, and the kids will love you!
For more information about this site, contact: Maria Abreu, mla4d@virginia.edu or Katie Hudson, klh7y@virginia.edu
YMCA
The YMCA is brand new to Madison House. They provide a structured program for children ages 2-5 years old, split into 3 classrooms. The curriculum is based on hands-on learning and children are encouraged to use their creative imagination to explore and discover, while thinking independently. They have mixed age groups and diverse classrooms where children are able to teach and learn from one another. This site is located just a short trip up 29, and you will need to drive to get there. The YMCA has been a huge part of so many children's lives and you can be a part of that!
For more information about this site, contact: Megan Blunden, mfb4x@virginia.edu
