About TLP
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Launching Pad Child Development Center is to provide quality care and early education to children six weeks through ten years of age whose families are affiliated with the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and the surrounding communities.
We are committed to providing a diverse learning environment that exceeds the highest state and national accreditation standards, nurtures a professional staff, recognizes individual needs of children and provides support to their families in partnership with varied community resources.
USDA Non Discrimination Clause
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
We believe:
All children are unique individuals who grow and develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically at their own rate.
Learning is most meaningful for children when they are actively involved and allowed to select activities and materials that interest them.
Children who are treated with care and respect learn to care for and respect others.
Families are our most important partners in fostering a child’s growth and development. Strong relationships of support and respect between caregivers and families result in positive outcomes for children.
All children are capable of learning and excelling. Their capabilities are maximized when they are surrounded by adults who have specialized training in child development and appropriate programming.
All people are of equal value regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, religion, ability, and family composition.
We must first meet children’s most basic needs such as nourishment, safety, and acceptance before we can help them develop and learn.
Children learn best through play. Play is an integral part of any successful early education program.
It is important for children to be familiar with and involved in their community to give them a sense of their role in society.
LAUNCHING PAD HISTORY
The Launching Pad opened in 1990; and in 1994, the ACECC, Inc., was established to serve the children of the employees of the MMAC through an on-site childcare center. In April 1999, The Launching Pad began official accreditation processes by the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and accreditation was attained in February 2001, and that accreditation has been maintained ever since. The Launching Pad has been awarded a five star rating by the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
ACECC, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors. The Launching Pad Center Director and Assistant Director are interviewed, hired, and supervised by the Board of Directors. The Center Director is responsible for staff supervision and daily operation of The Launching Pad; and the Board of Directors provides counsel and supervision to the Center Director and Assistant Director as necessary. Except for closed sessions, all meetings of the Board of Directors are open to all corporate members. Corporate members include, but are not limited to, all parents of children enrolled at The Launching Pad.