Cox Children's Center - University of Illinois Springfield

The Cox Center is dedicated to reflecting state-of-the-art practices in working with children, families, and other adults. As theorist suggest (Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Erikson), children learn through their individual experiences with the world.

When children build upon experiences they construct knowledge by building new experiences and connecting them to prior knowledge. Young children are active and curious participants in the construction of their knowledge.

Teachers challenge children to make predictions, to explore, to discover, to challenge, to represent and to reorganize their ways of thinking.

Positive development of self-image is important and is a priority in all aspects of program planning. Teachers provide opportunities for learning in an environment of respect and trust between and among all participants, young and old.

In building upon trusting, respectful relationships, teachers learn the needs of individual children and plan for the successful fulfillment of those needs.

The unique qualities of each child and adult are valued and differences are respected. We create an environment of cooperation and collaboration to enhance the process of learning to work together.

Understanding that the child is a member of his/her family, it is our goal to collaborate with family members in creating the best environment for each child. Building an equal relationship between family, child and teacher is an integral part of our philosophy.