About the Child and Family Center

Accreditation, Licensing, Mission, Philosophy, and Goals

The Great Basin College Child and Family Center has earned national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We have successfully implemented and met the high standards required for a quality program as set forth by the NAEYC.

The Child & Family Center has also earned a Five Star rating through Nevada’s Silver State Stars Quality Rating Improvement System. A Quality Rating and Improvement System is a method to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early childhood programs. The Silver State Stars assigns a rating, from 1 to 5 stars, to each site, to assist parents in finding a quality care provider for their child.

The Child & Family Center has implemented the NV Pyramid Model since 2015. This Pyramid Model promotes evidence-based practices that support positive social emotional skills for young children, such as recognizing emotions in self and others, learning rules and expectations, self-regulation, and positive social interactions with peers.

The Great Basin College Child & Family Center is licensed by the State of Nevada's Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. The program administration strives to meet standards above and beyond the minimal requirements set forth by Child Care Licensing through NAEYC and the Pre-Kindergarten Standards.

Our Philosophy

We believe “play” through healthy social and emotional engagement, enables children to be confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners. The quality of our programs and staff can best be defined by the mutual values which bind us together. Foremost among these is an abiding respect for each individual child in our care. We strive for consistency in our program, whether it be in our interactions, the richness and breadth of activities offered, or the reflection in our daily program of the diversity of families we serve. Our shared philosophy, goals, and objectives provide a guiding framework from which teachers expand using their own experience and creativity. As a nationally accredited program, we also follow ‘Developmentally Appropriate Practice’ guidelines and the NAEYC ‘Code of Ethical Conduct Statement of Commitment’.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster the development of the whole child by creating safe, high quality environments, play-based learning, and intentional teaching while building relationships that support and engage families, students, and staff.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a leader in high quality early childhood education that is accessible to all children.

Our Slogan

Every child matters, every moment counts.

Our Goals

These goals are updated regularly to reconfirm our values and practices and to promote our continued commitment to these goals for the children and families we serve. In conjunction with our mission and values, they provide an important part of the framework for day to day decision making in program and curriculum planning. Our goals include:

• Provide an environment where all children feel free to explore their own sense of wonder and curiosity
• Support all children in their developing sense of self; facilitate the development of a positive self image and growing sense of autonomy
• Respect the primary role of the family in all children’s lives. Work effectively with the families to create a situation which fosters the best interests of each family and child
• Promote an awareness of the world in which the child lives. Encourage acceptance and/or respect for the rights of others and the environment

Our Values and Guiding Principles

We strive to integrate our values at all levels in the overall organization so that they govern our interactions and decisions with not only the children and families we serve, but with one another and the greater early childhood education field.

• Respect all individuals, honoring their competencies while offering support and resources for growth.
• Embrace the diversity in our world, creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Promote a safe, supportive and caring community.
• Foster and create environments and dispositions that instill the desire and ability to be a life-long learner.
• Form and nurture a well-educated, experienced and caring staff of early education professionals.
• Have fun and find joy in what we do!

Child and Family Center Staff

All employees are required to undergo fingerprinting and an FBI background check. Each staff member completes annual certified training in CPR, First Aid, Emergency Procedures, and Infectious Disease and Blood Borne Pathogens. In addition, the teachers are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of child development training annually. Teachers, who have not completed a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Child Development or Early Elementary Education, are encouraged to pursue a higher level of education by completing college courses, and attending child development workshops and conferences.

For More Information Contact

GBC Child and Family Center
Great Basin College
Elko Campus (map #20)
Phone: 775-327-2387
FAX: 775-327-5092
E-mail: amber.ogle@gbcnv.edu

Front Office Hours
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm

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Why Great Basin College

Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.