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
SCC Summer Camps - 2024
The Southeast Community College Child Development Center (8800 O St.) offers 11 weeks of summer camp for children ages 5-12. These week-long day camps give children the opportunity to participate in fun, hands-on activities, crafts, games and daily field trips. Breakfast, lunch and snack are also provided as a part of the program. Enrollment is open to all children ages 5 through 12. Children of community members, SCC students and employees are welcome to attend. Children must currently be enrolled in, or have completed Kindergarten, to participate. Families may register for any number of camp weeks offered.
Cost
Summer Camp Tuition: $190 per 5-day week ($50 deposit is applied to the full weekly tuition amount). Please note: 4-day week (May 28-31) is $152 and 3-day week (July 1-3) is $114.
Summer Camp Deposit: $50 per each week registered. Deposits are non-refundable.
Camp Hours
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (planned camp activities and fieldtrips occur between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.)
Camp Sessions, Dates and Registration
Please review camp sessions and descriptions below to determine which camp sessions to register your child for. You may register for as many sessions as you would like. 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.
A typical week at camp will include 3 field trips (themed trips, park, library and/or splashpad). Non-field trip days will include special guest visitors, active time at the gym and/or wacky water days! We will do our best to accommodate all trips listed in session descriptions, 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 28-31 (4 DAY WEEK): Welcome to FUN!
School’s out and it’s time for some summer FUN! Have a blast with us this week as we venture through Lost in Fun! Next, we’ll cool off at the splashpad and stop by the library to get signed up for the summer reading program! Let’s kick off this summer with tons of FUN! - June 3-7: The Great Outdoors
Become one with nature this week as we explore the great outdoors! Grab your net as we visit the Saline Wetlands in search of bugs, birds and all kinds of critters! We’ll also take a trip to the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland to look for wolves and bison and bears oh my! - June 10-14: Hollywood Stars
This week we’ll harness our creativity and imagination with a hands-on trip to the Lincoln Children’s Museum. Next, we’ll keep our bodies movin’ and groovin’ as we tumble on over to a nearby gymnastics center. Shine like a star as we finish out the week with our annual camp talent show! Who’s got talent?! SCC’s got talent! - June 17-21: Superhero Challenge
It’s a bird, it’s plane, it’s SCC Summer Campers! Our superheroes in training will scale new heights this week as we conquer the UNL rock wall. We’ll also practice our teamwork as we challenge each other to an exciting game of laser tag! Our final quest in becoming superheroes will be creating and building our own obstacle course adventure in the gym – here we come to save the day! - June 24-28: Science, Space and STEAM
3, 2, 1… Blastoff! We’ll blow off some STEAM this week with a fun and educational trip to the Space and Air Command (SAC) Museum in Ashland. The hands-on science and space activities continue with a trip to Morrill Hall and an “out of this world” show in the planetarium! - July 1-3 (3 DAY WEEK): Chef’s Kiss
Calling all foodies! Join us this week as we whip up lots of kid-friendly culinary creations! We’ll also enjoy a trip to the UNL Dairy Store for a sweet treat! We’ll put our cooking skills to the test as we end the week with our annual “chopped” cooking challenge! It’s sure to be a tasty good time! - July 8-12: Colorfully Creative
Let’s get creative this week! Join us for artsy crafty activities such as clay, painting and more! We’ll get colorful with tie dye and enjoy a trip to Paint Yourself Silly. We’ll also celebrate with daily color themes, colorful snacks and an exciting trip to Mahoney State Park’s Indoor Activity Center! - July 15-19: Summer Splash
Let’s make waves this week with a trip to the new Waverly Aquatic Center! We’ll also enjoy a trip to the Trago splashpad, lots of water games and even water color painting! Lastly, we’ll relax and beat the heat with trip to Marcus Theaters for a movie and popcorn! Who’s ready for the best splash bash ever?! - July 22-26: Animal Antics
Let’s go bananas this week with a trip to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo – we’ll visit the monkeys, giraffes, penguins and more! Back at the center, we’ll get wild with animal themed crafts and snacks! The fun doesn’t end there – we’ll also visit our furry animal friends at the Capital Humane Society. Get ready for a FINtastic week! - July 29- Aug. 2: Camp Olympics
Let’s celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics with our own friendly camp competitions. We’ll enjoy mini golf, bowling and a scavenger hunt at the Lancaster County Fair. We’ll even pretend we’re in Paris and try the famous French treat, macarons! Which team will take home the gold?! Extra points for good sportsmanship and team spirit! - 5-9: Magic and Mysteries
Let’s end the summer with a bit of mystery and magic! This week will feature a special guest magician and some of our favorite activities of the summer! We’ll even get to vote on and go back to our favorite field trip spot – the possibilities are endless! End the summer with new friendships, memories and a sweet treat! See you there!
Food
The Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and follows USDA guidelines. As a part of this program, outside food cannot be brought into the Center or consumed during camp. The Center will provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack each day (breakfast runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.). If your child has specific allergies or dietary needs, please speak with the Camp Coordinator about accommodations. The Center is also a completely peanut-free facility.
Leadership
Camp teachers are trained Early Childhood Education professionals and Early Childhood Education program students. Each group will have a teacher/child ratio of 1-15.
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.
Tuition Assistance
Students who have been awarded the CCAMPIS child care grant receive significant summer and mini camp tuition assistance. Contact Katie Zabel at kzabel1@southeast.edu or 402-437-2450 for CCAMPIS grant pricing and further information.
Pell eligible students may find more information and apply for the CCAMPIS (Child Care Means Parents in School).
Camp Cancellation and Refund Policy
We encourage all families to carefully plan out their summer and mini camp needs prior to registration. Please take into consideration family vacations, other camps, time spent with family members, etc., so that you only register for the weeks that your child will need care.
Deposits for both summer and mini camps are non-refundable. The tuition balance for all camps is due the Monday of the week of camp, or may be paid in advance. Account information must be provided to complete the registration process. Absences or unapproved cancellations will be charged to the account information on file as per the tuition policy. Additionally, advanced payments are non-refundable for absences or unapproved cancellations.
For summer camps, tuition refunds (minus the $50 a week deposit) will be issued (or will not be billed) with a written or emailed notice provided to the Camp Coordinator or Center Director on or before June 1, 2024.
(The SCC CDC Director may approve full or partial refunds or credits of camp registration fees, or tuition, in extraordinary circumstances, including family or medical emergencies)
Questions?
Contact the Camp Coordinator, Katie Zabel, at kzabel1@southeast.edu or 402-437-4250, or stop by the Child Development Center at 8800 O St., Lincoln, NE.
Register Online Today!
Registration for previous center, summer and mini camp families will open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12th. Public registration will open the following week at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20th. Registration links will not be active until the dates listed above. Please choose the appropriate registration link below. Registration cannot be confirmed until deposit is received. Account information must also be provided to complete the registration process. Space is limited – once all spots are filled, children may be added to the waitlist.
Previous Camp or Center Families:
Registration will open on Monday, February 12th
New Camp Families:
Registration will open on Tuesday, February 20th
The Southeast Community College Child Development Center (8800 O St.) hosts a series of Fall, Winter and Spring mini camps on select days that community schools may not be in session. These day camps give children the opportunity to participate in fun, hands-on activities, crafts, games and field trips on select days. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided.
Children of SCC employees, SCC students and community members are invited to participate. All children ages 5 through 12 are welcome to attend. Children must currently be enrolled in, or have completed Kindergarten, to participate. Families may register for select mini camp days, and do not need to register for all days offered.
Cost
Mini Camps Tuition: $50 per day ($25 deposit is applied to the full tuition amount). Register for 8 or more mini camp days and receive one day ($50 credit) free. Register for all 5 days during Spring Break (March 11-15, 2024) and receive a weekly rate of $210.
Mini Camps Deposit: $25 per each day registered. Deposits are non-refundable. (Note – the deposit for Spring Break full week registration will be $50).
Camp Hours
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (planned camp activities and fieldtrips occur between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.)
Camp Dates
2023 Fall/Winter Camp Dates:
Friday, October 13
Monday, October 16
Tuesday, October 17
Monday, November 27
2024 Spring Camp Dates:
Wednesday, January 3
Thursday, January 4
Friday, January 5
Friday, February 16
Monday, February 19
Monday, March 11
Tuesday, March 12
Wednesday, March 13
Thursday, March 14
Friday, March 15
Friday, March 29
Friday, April 26
Tuition Assistance
Students who have been awarded the CCAMPIS child care grant receive significant summer and mini camp tuition assistance. Contact Katie Zabel at kzabel1@southeast.edu or 402-437-2450 for CCAMPIS grant pricing and further information.
Pell eligible students may find more information and apply for the CCAMPIS (Child Care Means Parents in School) grant here.
Camp Cancellation and Refund Policy
We encourage all families to carefully plan out their summer and mini camp needs prior to registration. Please take into consideration family vacations, other camps, time spent with family members, etc., so that you only register for the weeks and/or days that your child will need care.
Deposits for both summer and mini camps are non-refundable. The tuition balance for all camps is due the Monday of the week of Camp, or may be paid in advance. Account information must be provided to complete the registration process. Absences or unapproved cancellations will be charged to the account information on file as per the tuition policy. Additionally, advanced payments are non-refundable for absences or unapproved cancellations.
For mini camps, tuition refunds (minus the $25 per day deposit) will be issued (or will not be billed) with a 14-day written or emailed notice provided to the Camp Coordinator or Center Director.
For summer camps, tuition refunds (minus the $50 a week deposit) will be issued (or will not be billed) with a written or emailed notice provided to the Camp Coordinator or Center Director on or before June 1, 2024.
(The SCC CDC Director may approve full or partial refunds or credits of Camp registration fees, or tuition, in extraordinary circumstances, including family or medical emergencies)
Questions?
Contact the Camp Coordinator, Katie Zabel, at kzabel1@southeast.edu or 402-437-4250, or stop by the Child Development Center at 8800 O St., Lincoln, NE.
Register Online Today!
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