The Southeast Community College Child Development Center’s mission is to provide quality early childhood education and care to children from 6 weeks through 12 years by meeting the needs of SCC students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Center serves as a practicum site for the Early Childhood Education program ensuring the most current, and evidence based, practices are modeled for professionals entering the early childhood education field. An emphasis is placed on creating an educational and supportive community for children and families to thrive.
The Center is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Center also participates in Nebraska Step Up to Quality, a quality rating and improvement system administered by the Nebraska Department of Education.
The Center is located on the Lincoln Campus at 8800 O St., Lincoln, serving SCC students, faculty, staff and community members. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed for most major holidays, as well as one week during Winter Break. The program serves children ages 6 weeks through 5 in a year-round program and school-aged children, kindergarten through age 12, during select Lincoln Public School non-school days and over Summer break.
The Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP ) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensuring that well-balanced meals are served and that good eating habits are taught in the program setting. Children are served breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack daily that meet the nutritional requirements that are determined by the CACFP.
The Center values the importance of positive developmental opportunities and relationships in the formative early childhood years as establishing a child’s long-term success. Evidence-based play practices and educational experiences are emphasized with attention to developing children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional, and linguistic development, as well as approaches to learning and problem-solving skills. The teacher’s role in the classroom includes nurturing, guiding, and facilitating experiences with the children through education and care. Planning and implementing learning experiences that are responsive to each child's interests, strengths, and needs is key at the SCC Child Development Center.
- We believe a child’s environment has the greatest influence on learning.
- We believe in providing children with an overabundance of positive reinforcement.
- We believe it is imperative to instill good educational and moral foundations for young children, enabling them to grow and develop into the best, most productive individuals possible.
- We believe diversity in our program is one of our greatest strengths, as the best way to learn and develop is from experiencing life hands on with each other.
- We believe our teachers enhance development and learning. From birth, a child’s relationships and interactions with adults are critical determinants of development and learning.
- We believe in treating children as individuals, allowing them to develop an identity inclusive of emotional well-being, individualism and self-worth.
- We believe in cognitive development: intentional learning environments, age appropriate classrooms, hands on learning, sensory development, experiences and learning from the world, development of learning styles and Kindergarten readiness.
- We believe in physical development: healthy living, development of gross and fine motor skills and safety.
- We believe a collaborative community with our families is an integral piece of a child’s success
Enrolling
Interested families may submit a Waiting List Application along with a $10 non-refundable fee to be placed on the SCC Child Development Center’s wait list. When an opening is available, the Director of the Center will contact the family. To accept and secure the opening a $135 refundable deposit is due ($75 deposit for subsequent children.). Next steps will include the receipt of the family handbook, child enrollment packet, along with providing the Center with a copy of the child’s immunizations.
Enrollment Period
- Children of SCC students: Required to be enrolled for the entire semester. They are not required, but can opt, to be enrolled during break periods.
- Children of SCC faculty and staff: Required to be enrolled yearly. They are not required to be enrolled during the 4-week break between the Spring and Summer Quarter. The children must be enrolled for all other weeks the Center is open.
- Children of community members: Required to enroll yearly for the entire 50 weeks the Center is open.
Children can be unenrolled with a two-week written notice. If you want to re-enroll at the Center you will be required to go on the waiting list.
Tuition Payments & Financial Assistance
Tuition may be paid weekly or monthly through a bank or credit/debit card automatic withdrawal, or Title XX (State subsidized child care assistance). Applications for Title XX may be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. SCC students may qualify for up to a 50% reduction in services through the CCAMPIS (Childcare Access Means Parents in School) grant.
CDC Weekly Tuition and Fees / Child Care Rates
- Step Up to Quality is where Nebraska parents find quality-rated child care and early childhood education.
- Nebraska We Care for Kids
- Nebraska DHHS Child Care For Parents
- Nebraska DHHS Choosing Child Care for Your Children
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- How Play Connects to Learning (NAEYC )
- PBS Kids For Parents
The Southeast Community College Child Development Center offers a Summer Camp for school aged children during the summer months.
Financial Support
Scholarships are available for PELL eligible SCC registered student/parents to help cover the cost of the camp fee(s). Scholarships are provided by the U.S. Department of Education CCAMPIS Grant. Please apply prior to registration for camp. Apply for financial support. If you have questions or need assistance, please stop by the Child Development Center on the Lincoln Campus, email lmiller@southeast.edu or call 402-437-2450.
Registration
Please review camp sessions and descriptions below to determine which camp sessions to register your child for. You may register for as sessions as you want. SPECIAL OFFER: If you register for five or more sessions, the camp session fee will be reduced by $5 per camp. Register for summer camp sessions by completing one of the following registration form options. Additional health and permission forms will need to be completed for camp participation. Please note that your registration will not be confirmed until deposit is received.
Camp Sessions
A week camp will typically include one trip to the pool or splashpad, one trip to a local library or park and two to three theme-related trips (examples: trip to the zoo during animal week, climbing a rock wall during fitness week). We will do our best to accommodate all trips listed however, trips are subject to change due to transportation availability, staffing or unforeseeable circumstances. Additional trips or guest visitors may be added depending on availability.
- May 30 – June 2 (4-DAY CAMP) – Summer Kickoff
Let’s kick off summer with some camper favorites like mini golf and laser tag. We’ll also visit a Lincoln Public Library and get signed up for the summer reading program. Finally, we’ll cool off with a trip to the pool and popsicles. - June 5 – 9 – Fun, Friends and Fitness
Let’s get physical. Join us this week as we conquer our fears on UNL’s indoor rock wall. Next, we’ll roll on over to Hollywood Bowl to show off our bowling skills. Don’t forget – we’ll also practice fitness fun at a local park and the pool. - June 12 – 16 – Animal Antics
Calling all animal lovers. Get batty with us this week while we gaze at gorillas and lounge with lemurs at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. We’ll explore our way through the aquarium, jungle, desert and more. The fun isn’t over yet – we’ll also stop by the Capital Humane Society to meet some of our favorite furry friends. - June 19 – 23 – Arts, Music and Movement
This week is all about the arts. Let’s get messy with a trip to Paint Yourself Silly and lots of wacky crafts. We’ll also enjoy a “camper favorite” trip to Mahoney State Park to enjoy the indoor playground activity center and the arts and crafts center! Don’t forget about the library, park and pool! - June 26 – 30 - Kool Kravings
It’s time to get cooking. Put your chef hat on this week and join us for some crazy culinary creations. First, we’ll take a trip to Hy-Vee for a special behind the scenes tour, nutrition tips and a tasty snack. Then, put your skills to the test in an exciting camp cooking challenge. We’ll also create our own camp cookbook and end the week with a sweet treat. - July 5 – 7 (3-DAY CAMP) Party in the USA
Join us as we pack lots of patriotic fun into a short week. We’ll celebrate with an exciting trip to the Nebraska State Capitol and make a star-spangled splash at the pool. Don’t forget the festive crafts and a special red, white and blue ice cream party. - July 10 – 14 – Lights, camera, action
Lights, camera, action. Shine like a star this week as we practice our singing, dancing and acting skills for our annual summer camp talent show. We’ll also build our confidence with improv activities and a visit to the radio station to make our own commercial. Don’t forget – this week also comes with a trip to Marcus Theatres for a movie and popcorn. - July 17 – 21 – Wet and Wild
Let’s go bananas this week as we hang with monkeys for a day at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. We’ll also splish, splash and soar down the slides in a trip to Star City Shores. The fun continues back at the Center as we’ll enjoy a visit from the Raptor Conservation Alliance and build our own banana splits. - July 24 – 28 – Let’s Explore S’more
Take a trip back in time this week as we explore our way through Morrill Hall and the planetarium. We’ll also be stealthy and sneaky as we venture through a camper favorite… Robber’s Cave. Camp is not complete without the pool, library and crafting our own gooey s’mores. This week ROCKS. - July 31 – August 4 – The Best of Lincoln
Join us as we visit some of the most exciting places that Lincoln has to offer. We’ll enjoy a day at the Lancaster County Fair filled with farm animals, scavenger hunts and unique shows. Discover more hands-on fun at the Lincoln Children’s Museum. Cool off with a trip to the pool and popsicles. - August 7 – 11 Super-Secret Surprise
Summer isn’t over yet - join us for one last week full of camper favorites. Enjoy silly surprises and some of the best activities and trips of the whole summer. We’ll enjoy mini golf at Prehistoric Putt and bowling. We’ll also vote on an exciting surprise trip, but for now, that’s top secret.
Camp Hours
Activities and field trips will run between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Campers may be dropped off at the Center between 7:30-9 a.m. and picked up between 4-5:30 p.m.
Food
A nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are provided each day. Breakfast runs from 8-8:30 a.m.
Leadership
Camp teachers are trained Early Childhood Education professionals and Early Childhood Education program students. Each group will have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1-to-15.
Transportation
The Nebraska Child Passenger Safety Law states that all children age 7 and under must ride correctly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Parents with children age 7 and under must provide a booster or car seat each day of camp. All camp teachers will have Safe Kids Nebraska Child Care Transportation Training and will transport children on trips in either a 12-passenger van or minivan.
Southeast Community College is hosting a series of Spring Mini Camps on select days in which community schools may not be open. These camps will give youth the opportunity to learn from staff and complete hands-on activities like crafts, games, field trips on select days, and lots of fun. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided.
Children of SCC employees, SCC students and community members are invited to participate. Youth ages 5-12 are welcome to attend.
2023 Camp Dates
Friday, April 7
Monday, April 10
Thursday, April 27
Friday, April 28
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (flexible drop-off and pick-up options)
Camps vary in price based on qualifications. Registration forms can be submitted by completing the online form or dropped off at the Child Development Center on SCC’s Lincoln Campus at 8800 O St. Deposit is to be paid at time of registration.
- $45 per day – Register Today online | via paper (PDF)
- $10 per day for approved CCAMPIS grant students - Register Today online | via paper (PDF)
Have questions? Need more information or to register?
Contact Katie Zabel at kzabel1@southeast.edu or stop by the Child Development Center at 8800 O St. in Lincoln.
Early Childhood Education and Care Opportunities
Scholarships provided to Southeast Community College students by the U.S. Department
of Education CCAMPIS Grant.
Pell-eligible SCC student parents with children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age are eligible to apply. The grant will assist in reduction of tuition for child care and early childhood education, school age Summer camps, and/or school age mini-camps.
Southeast Community College Child Development Center has been awarded the CCAMPIS (Childcare Access Means Parents in School) Grant from the United States Department of Education. Pell-eligible SCC students who are awarded the grant will receive a reduction in early childhood education and care tuition, up to 50%. Applicants will be selected based on need and space availability. Students receiving this grant are responsible for providing the CDC with an annual PELL eligibility letter, and schedules and grades after each semester. Once the student is receiving assistance, they will remain eligible for assistance if they remain Pell-eligible, continue progressing in their schooling, and comply with the Center requirements. Grant funding limitations may restrict the number of eligible student’s participation.
This grant supports SCC student parents attend school, and successfully graduating, by reducing financial barriers and assisting with the cost of quality early childhood education and care. SCC serves a large number of Pell-eligible student parents who may benefit from financial assistance to help cover the cost of child care.
How to Apply:
Pell-eligible SCC student parents may submit a CCAMPIS application , along with a copy of their Pell Award Notification letter and current class schedule
to the CDC. SCC student parents will be scheduled to have an initial interview with
the Grant Coordinator, as well as semester meetings following the receipt of the award.
If funds and space exist after the application is reviewed, funds will be awarded.
Eligibility Requirements:
- SCC student must be Pell-eligible
- Actively enrolled at any SCC location
- Submission of completed application form
- Submitting Pell Award Notification letter and class schedule with application
- Attend initial interview with CCAMPIS Grant Coordinator
- Attend semester interviews with the CCAMPIS Grant Coordinator for renewal of assistance
SCC students will no longer be eligible for tuition assistance immediately upon:
- Loss of PELL eligibility or withdrawing from SCC courses
- Non-compliance with the Child Development Center’s CCAMPIS requirements