We at the CDC specialize in children's growth and development by providing and facilitating an enriched child-centered program.

We offer programs for a variety of age groups, each of which has been designed to meet the optimal growth potential for a specific age group. Explore our programs below, or call us at (626) 585-3180 to schedule a tour and see each of programs in action! 

Infants

Ratio: 1 teacher per 3 children

Max number of children: 9

Staff: 1 Specialist, 4 part time teachers, 2 part time relievers

Infant curriculum for our infants is strongly embedded in daily caregiving routines. Routine tasks such as diapering, feeding, and napping are used as opportunities for pleasant conversations and special one-on-one interactions to bring about infant learning. Infant play experiences are varied throughout the day so that they have possibilities to interact with different materials and gain different perspectives on people and places (e.g. looking at picture books, taking rides in the Buggy, and being rocked in the rocking chair). Opportunities for outside play and concrete, sensory/messy play are also provided as an essential part of children’s learning experiences.

Our program’s practices are focused on California State Department of Education Learning Foundations and Desired Results for Children, Program for Infant/Infant Care (PITC)/West Ed approach. These programs have been designed to meet the developmental needs of infants by incorporating the best theories and practices in Early Child Development. Based on our knowledge about children and child development we utilize the theories of John Dewey, Erik Erikson, Howard Gardner, Magda Gerber, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, John Bowlby, as well as others, to guide our curriculum and interactions with Infants.

The Infant program is equipped with a small kitchen for storage of utensils, bibs, and other feeding items to meet the daily needs of your Infant. We have a sanitizing dishwasher where toys are disinfected. Additionally, we provide napping supplies, although if your child has a favorite light blanket* you are encouraged to bring this item to class.

The outside area is enclosed and provides your child with gross motor and sensory experiences. The outside area is routinely only used by our classroom.

Young Toddlers

Ratio: 1 teacher per 4 children

Max number of children: 16

Staff: 2 Specialist, 4 part time teachers, 2 relievers

Toddlers are curious and constantly trying to figure out their surroundings. They are independent and yet still very attached to the adults in their life. They are easily excited and love to build and knock down. They are learning about relationships, developing language, and gaining confidence in their physical activities. For this reason, the Toddler program develops a wide-range of activities and varied curriculum to meet the ever-changing needs of toddlers.

Curriculum in the toddler room includes attention to personal care routines as learning opportunities and one-on-one interactions between children and caregivers. Toddlers need consistency in daily routines; regular indoor and outdoor physical activity times are scheduled to enhance active, large muscle play. Daily sensory play experiences are provided such as water, sand, mud and paint. We balance teacher directed with child initiated activities throughout the day. We include music and large group/circle time daily. Schedules in the room remain flexible, dictated by children’s needs and interests.

Our program’s practices are focused on California State Department of Education Learning Foundations and Desired Results for Young Children, Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC)/West Ed approach. These programs have been designed to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers by incorporating the best theories and practices in Early Child Development. Based on our knowledge about children and child development we utilize the theories of John Dewey, Erik Erikson, Howard Gardner, Magda Gerber, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, John Bowlby, as well as others, to guide our curriculum and interactions with toddlers.

Older Toddlers

Ratio: 1 teacher per 4 children

Max number of children: 16

Staff: 2 Specialist, 4 part time teachers, 2 relievers

We believe Two-year-olds are wonderful! They are still considered Toddlers in the eyes of child development experts. Our view is one of emerging individuals who proudly (and sometimes loudly) announces to the world the exciting news of their growing autonomy. Two's still needed consistency in overall daily routines. However, our schedules remain flexible focusing on the children’s interests and needs. Older Toddlers will be introduced to many multi-step tasks to strengthen listening skills. As their vocabulary grows, we will be using words and simple phrases to help them learn to communicate and solve conflicts with peers. Growing verbal skills and the ability for conflict resolution are incorporated into the curriculum.

Curriculum in the older toddler room includes attention to personal care routines as learning opportunities and one-on-one interactions between children and caregivers. Two’s need consistency in daily routines; regular indoor and outdoor physical activity times are scheduled to enhance active, large muscle play. Daily sensory play experiences are provided such as water, sand, mud and paint. We balance teacher directed with child initiated activities throughout the day. We include music and large group/circle time daily. Schedules in the room remain flexible, dictated by children’s needs and interests.

Junior Pre-school

Ratio: 1 teacher per 6 children

Max number of children: 42

Staff: 2 Specialist, 10 part time teachers, 2 relievers

We are a multi-aged grouped preschool setting. We are also a State-Funded Preschool and meet all exemplary program standards required by the State of California. We are a child-centered, child-initiated program. We believe children learn by discovery and exploration. Our teachers are facilitators in their development. We break into small groups twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. This is the time that your child connects with one teacher, so they work on specific skills.

Teachers develop curriculum from what interests the child. Your child is provided with choices of activities in all areas of the curriculum. This is a time that children develop a sense of control and independence regarding their choices. Our primary focus is social development. We firmly believe children need to learn and work with each other in a peaceful way. We develop skills with your child that they will maintain throughout their lives, such as how to solve problems and resolve conflicts. We are an anti-bias environment and freely discuss our similarities and differences.

Senior Preschool

Ratio: 1 teacher per 8 children

Max number of children: 24

Staff: 1 Specialist, 2 part time teachers

Our Senior Preschool is our older four's program serving children who are older four-year-olds through age five.​ The Senior Preschool supports a development-based curriculum that follows children's interests. We follow the California State Department of Education Frameworks for all curriculum areas. The morning program is from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday. After school enrichment programs will be offered such as computers, language arts, creative arts, music, and movement. ​

Offered in Each Program:

The Center is part of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide “nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children.” (CACFP). Children are provided breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the  USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027), found online at l and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  • Mail:  U.S. Department of AgricultureOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20250-9410
  • Fax: (202) 690-7442
  • Email: program.intake@usda.gov 

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The documentation of assessment of children is an integral part of the CDC. We utilize the Desired Results Developmental Profile revised (DRDP-2010) form that is obtained from the State Department of Education. The two forms that are used are for ages 0-36 months and 3-year-old- Kindergarten age. Two assessments per year are completed for each child.

Parents and teachers also utilize the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) as an aid to measure children’s development.

We offer a six-week optional summer semester. The summer semester at the CDC provides an opportunity for children to indulge in projects and explore areas of interest. In a nurturing and dynamic environment, children are encouraged to engage in a six-week long learning process that encourages discovery, creativity, and investigation. Parents do not need to enroll in the summer semester for continued enrollment during regular school year.