REX Child Development Center
At the REX Child Development Center, we believe every child is unique and special, and we design our programs according to the developmental needs of each child. Our programs focus on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of the children in our care.
Our center, which is both an infant and toddler care center and a Preschool, is 13,600 sq. feet, including 13 classrooms, multi-purpose room, kitchen, playground, and covered play area. Our staff care for 156 children, aged six weeks to five years of age, with two instructors in every classroom. We are a Five Star Child Care Center licensed by the NC Department of Human Resources and the Division of Child Development.
The Importance of Play
While it may appear that children are simply playing, something more is going on- learning! Children develop valuable skills and gain knowledge through playing. Our center focuses on five specific areas that encourage learning through play. These areas include: Art, Block Building, Books and Language, Dramatic Play and Manipulatives.
Preschool
Because our center focuses on the “Learn Through Play” philosophy, throughout the day our Preschool children are being encouraged to develop fine motor, gross motor, social and emotional skills. The development of these skills teach the children how to problem solve, allowing them the opportunity to explore their environment with thoughtful curiosity and independence.
Furthermore, through our use of developmentally appropriate activities each child gains the knowledge needed for “kindergarten readiness.”
Classroom Ratios
We currently follow the North Carolina Division of Child Development’s Voluntary Enhanced Ratio Standards. They are as follows:
- 0- 12 months: ratio of staff/children is 1/4 (maximum group size permitted: 8)
- 12- 24 months: ratio of staff/children is 1/5 (maximum group size permitted: 10)
- 2- 3 years: ratio of staff/children is 1/9 (maximum group size permitted: 16)
- 3- 4 years: ratio of staff/children is 1/10 (maximum group size permitted: 20)
- 4-5 years: ratio of staff/children is 1/13 (maximum group size permitted: 25)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation?
The Center opens at 6:15 AM and closes at 6:00 PM.
What food is provided by the Center?
All of our food is prepared by the UNC REX Food and Nutrition Department and delivered to our center. We serve a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack. All of our meals and snacks meet the nutrition requirements required by the Division of Child Development.
What if my child has food allergies and/or special food requirements?
Our menu is completely nut free. We can work with families on an individual basis to provide alternate meals for other allergies and special requirements. In extreme cases the parents can provide alternate meals/snacks that meet the Division of Child Development’s nutrition requirements.
Do the teachers follow a curriculum?
Our teachers currently follow the Creative Curriculum. Each classroom has a daily lesson plan which is created by the teacher. The preschool classrooms have a weekly theme that all their classroom activities are planned around for the week.
Does the Child Development Center have a waiting list, and what is the process for enrollment?
We normally have a waiting list for all ages. It is important to get your name on the list ASAP. When we get to your name on the list we will contact you for a pre-admission visit, at which you will receive enrollment paperwork, meet the teachers and tour the center. You are welcome to contact the center at 919-784-3983 to schedule a tour at any time.
Do you have to be a UNC REX employee in order to enroll your child at the Center?
Yes. You need to be a UNC REX or UNC Health employee to enroll your child at the Center.
Does the Child Development Center close for severe weather?
Because UNC REX Healthcare operates regardless of severe weather, so do we. The Center has a team of essential staff that is always prepared to open the Center in the event of severe weather.
Is the Child Development Center closed for holidays?
The center is closed for UNC REX observed holidays (New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). If Christmas, New Year's Day, or 4th of July fall on a weekend, the Center is either closed the Friday before or the Monday after the holiday.
Can we enroll in Flexible Dependent Spending if enrolled at the Child Development Center?
UNC REX employees can enroll in Flexible Spending. Human Resources can help you with enrollment, questions and amounts.
Do you care for sick children?
We do not provide care for sick children in our center. If your child is currently enrolled at our center please see the Sick Child policy for more information.
Tour our Center
Entrance and Lobby
Welcome to the REX Child Development Center! A few teachers and staff members wait in the lobby each morning to receive children when they arrive and take them to their classrooms after temperature checks and hand sanitizer application.
Infant Room 1
Our infant hallway consists of three infant classrooms. The age range for our infant classrooms is 6 weeks to 12 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:5.
Infant Room 2
Our infant hallway consists of three infant classrooms. The age range for our infant classrooms is 6 weeks to 12 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:5.
Infant Room 3
Our infant hallway consists of three infant classrooms. The age range for our infant classrooms is 6 weeks to 12 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:5, with a maximum of 8 students per classroom.
Toddler Room 1
Our toddler hallway consists of three classrooms. The age range for our toddler classrooms is 12 months to 24 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:6, with a maximum of 10 students per classroom.
Toddler Room 2
Our toddler hallway consists of three classrooms. The age range for our toddler classrooms is 12 months to 24 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:6, with a maximum of 10 students per classroom.
Toddler Room 3
Our toddler hallway consists of three classrooms. The age range for our toddler classrooms is 12 months to 24 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:6, with a maximum of 10 students per classroom.
Two's Room 1
Our two's hallway consists of three classrooms. The age range for our two's classrooms is 24 months- 36 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:9, with a maximum of 10 students per classroom.
Two's Room 2
Our two's hallway consists of three classrooms. The age range for our two's classrooms is 24 months- 36 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:9, with a maximum of 10 students per classroom.
Two's Room 2
Our two's hallway consists of three classrooms. The age range for our two's classrooms is 24 months- 36 months. The teacher to student ratio is 1:9, with a maximum of 10 students per classroom.
Three's Classroom 1
Our preschool hallway consists of two Three's classrooms. The age range for our three's classrooms is 3 years- 4 years. The teacher to student ratio is 1:10, with a maximum of 18 students per classroom.
Three's Classroom 1
Our preschool hallway consists of two Three's classrooms. The age range for our three's classrooms is 3 years- 4 years. The teacher to student ratio is 1:10, with a maximum of 18 students per classroom.
Four's Classroom 1
Our preschool hallway consists of two Four's classrooms. The age range for our three's classrooms is 4 years through 5 years (up until kindergarten). The teacher to student ratio is 1:13, with a maximum of 18 students per classroom.
Four's Classroom 1
Our preschool hallway consists of two Four's classrooms. The age range for our three's classrooms is 4 years through 5 years (up until kindergarten). The teacher to student ratio is 1:13, with a maximum of 18 students per classroom.
Picnic Area
Our outdoor areas are sectioned off into different areas according to age group, but our picnic area is used as an outdoor classroom extension for all ages. Behind the picnic area is the space for our summer garden.
Preschool Playground
The preschool classrooms (ages 3- 5) are able to enjoy this space for outdoor activities as well as gross motor activities. Currently our preschool classrooms rotate time on the playground to accommodate social distancing. Not pictured are a sandbox area, a tricycle track, and a few small play structures.
Two's Playground
Our two-year-old students are able to enjoy this space for outdoor activities as well as gross motor activities. Not pictured are a few additional small play structures.
Infant and Toddler Playground
Our toddlers and older infants are able to enjoy their time outside on this playground as well as work on gross motor skills. Younger infants who are not yet mobile typically spend their outdoor time on the playground going for a ride in the Baby Buggy.
Indoor Playground
The indoor playground is a multipurpose area that is used when weather does not permit play on the outside playgrounds. The area is also used by different classrooms for special events and activities.
The Kitchen
Hot meals are sent over from the hospital kitchens every day. Our staff finishes preparing the meals and snacks and delivers to each classroom. Students are served a morning snack, and hot lunch, and an afternoon snack each day.
