Child Development Center/Lab School

Welcome

About Our Center

The Center is staffed with Child Development Professionals. Each classroom has a credentialed teacher and a ratio starting at one adult for every three children for infants and gradually increasing to one adult to every eight children in preschool. We often receive student aides from Cerro Coso Community College or Child Development students enrolled in student teaching classes in addition to our regular staff.

We know that children develop along a continuum, each at their own pace and that all developmental areas are inter-related. They learn best through active exploration and interaction, with others in a rich and varied environment that stimulates children's natural curiosity, experimentation and problem solving. Learning opportunities abound everywhere. Children's efforts in social problem solving, communication with peers and adults and exploration through play are encouraged and supported. Learning is a continual, constructive and reciprocal relationship involving the child, their peers, the environment, teachers and families.

Diversity

The Child Development Center is resolutely committed to fully celebrating diversity through acceptance, respect and strong relationships between families, children, caregivers and community. It is our mission to develop a community that embraces the cultures of those who we serve, as well as those in the world around us. A multicultural, anti-bias approach is part of our day-to-day life. We embrace the concept that every child is a unique individual, full of discovery and knowledge, to be celebrated, encouraged and, most importantly, afforded respect and dignity.

Environment

It is our steadfast belief that children must have the opportunity to form secure attachments within their environment. When secure attachments are formed, the child has the opportunity to work on other areas of development. Play is better, interaction with others is more frequent, and exploration of surroundings is bolder. That is why we believe so strongly that it is of the utmost importance for children in our Center to receive solid, authentic, responsive, respectful, and loving care. Strong connections with home, center and community are fundamental in children's sense of security and support.

Hours of Operation

Cerro Coso Child Development Center offers quality early childhood experiences and childcare to anyone in our community and serves children ranging in age from 3 months to the start of Kindergarten. We are open Monday-Friday, 7:45am to 5:00pm. The Center does close for staff in-service days and some holidays. A calendar of these dates is provided upon enrollment. Submit an application to enroll your child(ren) in our program.

Child / Staff Ratios

Infants: 3 months to 18 months

1 Staff : 3 Infants
1 Certificated Teacher : 18 Infants
Toddlers: 18 months to 36 months

1 Staff : 4 Toddlers
1 Staff : 8 Preschool
Preschool: 36 months to kindergarten

1 Certificated Teacher : 16 Toddlers
1 Certificated Teacher : 24 Preschool