University City Children's Center

The Inspiration Behind UCCC:

Founded in 1970 by nine community synagogues and churches, today University City Children's Center (UCCC) reflects the founders' visionary desire to create a safe, nurturing environment where children from different socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can learn and play together in an atmosphere that is respectful of diversity and individuality. UCCC is a 501 (c) (3) and opened with 28 children at Temple Shaare Emeth and was one of the very first programs to achieve accreditation with Missouri Voluntary Accreditation.

UCCC Today:
UCCC now has the capacity to serve 164 children. We have a growing reputation as a thought-leader in early childhood education and human development. Our notions of innovation and creative thinking in the classroom drive the continuous improvement of our program, evolving into the LUME Approach. We are able to serve a large group of undeserved children within a highly diverse environment because of our ability to provide financial assistance to our families, and are successful because of our ability to put sound child development theory into practice.

Vision:
Our vision is that all children are prepared for life.

Mission:
We partner with families of diverse backgrounds to nurture the growth and development of their children through inclusive, innovative, high quality care and education.

Values:
University City Children's Center is a diverse, welcoming early childhood community that respects and nurtures children and families in a culture of trust, love, empathy, compassion, and joy.

Licensing and Accreditation:
UCCC is licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Section for Child Care Regulation.

We are accredited by the Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children & Youth. Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children & Youth focuses on qualitative aspects of the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth opportunities made available to children.