The center based program is intended to be family-centered, child-focused, and in a typical environment with inclusion of special needs and typical children. Sensory stimulation, early intervention activities, remedial treatment, and educational activities are designed into planning and programming to promote the acquisition of skills in several developmental areas. These areas include self-help, cognitive, fine & gross motor, communication, and psychosocial development.
 The classrooms use a combination of child-direct, teacher-directed, and typical play activities to develop each child’s unique skills and personalities. The teacher’s are educated and trained in age appropriate programming, developmental milestones, and positive behavior modification plans. Parents and caregivers are empowered with information about development, behavior, and age-appropriate expectations.
Each classroom is designed and arranged to promote learning in all stages. Social and individual expereinces are planned throughout the day. The teacher's plan monthly activities that correlate to events and themes of the year. They develop lesson plans that incorporate group activities, individual goals, and free play. As guides they enable the children to reach their full potentials. As a center, we plan group activities that involve all the children and families. Once a year we have a family picnic, so parents can mingle and get to know each other.
Children with special needs are expected to participate in all activities as their typical peers. Modifications or adaptations may be implemented to empower children with special needs to accomplish these tasks. Kids, Incorporated collaborates with Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), Department of Education (DOE), physicians, physical, speech, and occupational therapist to provide all children with special needs the appropriate care and intervention. An individualized program for each Part C eligible child is based on parent’s concerns, the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), and the Hawaii Early Learning Profile checklist, which provides additional curriculum for educating each child in their area of special needs, such as cognition skills.
The center works with the community in a variety of ways. We work with the foster grandparent program, which sponsors individuals who work with the teachers and children in the classrooms. These grandparents are wonderful people who aide children in their development through encouragement and love. We greatly appreciate these volunteers. We work with the schools, through center tours, work study programs, and educating in the classrooms.
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