Toybox Child Care Program at Highland High School, Gilbert

The Gilbert Public Schools TOYBOX Program is a developmental child care program with daily activities centered around thematic units. We use a wide range of materials and media to stimulate motor and intellectual development. Play is also an important part of our program. Through “play” the child learns to express him/herself in many ways; to think critically, solve problems creatively, and to interact positively in social situations. The program allows your child to establish positive social relationships with children his/her own age, develop a positive self-concept, and a positive attitude toward school. Our program is creatively planned with the child's mind, skills, and interests the first consideration. We believe it is most important to encourage each child according to his/her developmental level. Please be advised, the TOYBOX Program is a high school child care laboratory established within the framework of an Early Childhood Education Program. TOYBOX stands for Teaching Opportunities with Youngsters to Broaden Occupational eXperiences. The children are taught by sophomore, junior and senior high school students. The high school students observe, plan, and teach the children under the direction and supervision of our professional staff. In addition to the practical experience in the childcare lab, our students are also involved in three to four semesters of child development theory in the classroom. Through this interaction and guidance, the high school students gain invaluable knowledge and experience useful throughout their lives. Because of the involvement of our high school student teachers, each day becomes very busy in TOYBOX with hourly transitions of teachers and lots of stimulation. You, as the parent, know your child’s needs and abilities the best. Please use this information to help you determine whether this program will provide the positive growing experience that you desire for your little one. All children must be independently toilet trained and at least 3 years of age by the first day of school.