The Child Development Center at Bakersfield College (CDC) offers a student service
with the primary goal of providing a comprehensive child development program that
serves student families and their children.
Our role is to provide the time and support to assist student families in achieving
their chosen academic/career goals.
The CDC demonstration laboratory classrooms offer a model of best practices in early
childhood education while providing students learning opportunities through observation
and on-floor interactions with young children and their families.
The centers are licensed through the California Department of Social Services. All
teachers are professionally trained in the field of early childhood education, and
are certificated through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Placement in the program is made according to state priorities and date of application.
The program is designed for income eligible families who are enrolled in college courses
leading to a specific career/professional goal.
Open Monday through Friday, 7:30AM to 4:30PM (Friday 4:00PM).
Video Tour
Tour the Child Development Center to learn everything the center offers Bakersfield
College's littlest learners:
The family is a current aid recipient.
The family is income eligible.
The family is experiencing homelessness.
The child is a recipient of protective services.
Children with exceptional needs, additional documentation may be required.
The family is certified to receive benefits from a means-tested government program.
Factors used to determine services, but are not limited to:
The child(ren) is (are) a recipient(s) of child protective services, or identified
as being abused, neglected, or exploited, or at risk thereof.
The parent is employed.
The parent is seeking employment.
The family is experiencing homelessness.
The family is seeking permanent housing for family stability.
The parent is enrolled in vocational training.
The parent is enrolled in an educational program.
The parent is incapacitated.
Welcome to our child development center community. Thank you for giving us an opportunity
to be a part of your child's development. We look forward to building a partnership
that will support your child's experiences at the center. Because the family has the
most influence on your child's learning potential it is important for parents and
center staff to acknowledge their joint responsibility for the education of your child,
and work together cooperatively. We encourage you to share your ideas and suggestions.
Please feel free to ask questions.
Vision
Our program will provide an atmosphere where individuals are respected and recognized
for their uniqueness. We will offer encouragement and support to foster each person's
self esteem, autonomy, competence and success.
Mission
To accomplish this vision, our mission is to provide …
… children
a safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate learning environment
recognition of their unique talents and contributions
respect for their ability to think, learn and solve problems
guidance to help them successfully interact with others as they seek to discover answers
… parents
support and recognition of the interconnectedness of child and family
encouragement and understanding of the challenges parents encounter
recognition and respect of the family culture(s) and values
provisions for frequent communication with staff
… staff
opportunities for professional growth in child development and in facilitating learning
information, resources and support which assist their efforts to promote program quality
encouragement to act as advocates for children and the child development profession
provisions for frequent communication with families
… college students
an exemplary child development model based on current child development research
a climate of mutual respect and trust where we encourage open communication
an atmosphere which views successes and failures as opportunities for learning
information regarding advocating for children and the child development profession
Our Philosophy
We believe …
Each person is a unique individual, full of discovery and knowledge
A positive self-image is essential to the full development of each individual
A child develops trust by the constant, caring response to his needs by the adults
in his environment beginning with the primary caregiver in infancy
Children need opportunities for expression through art, music, and language
Children need an environment that they can explore and discover on their own with
adult support
Children with special needs are more similar to their peers than different from them,
and all children benefit from learning together
A safe, warm, supportive environment where children's emotional, social, physical,
and intellectual development are enriched is vital
Diversity is to be honored and celebrated
Positive learning experiences in the early years set the stage for lifelong learning
Our Program Goals Are …
To adapt to the changing needs, interests, and abilities of each child in our care
To provide a safe, consistent, inclusive environment for children and their families
To create an atmosphere of honesty and trust by openly communicating with one another
To provide college students with a model program where they can apply their knowledge
about children, families and their development
To provide quality child care services to support KCCD college students in reaching
their educational goals
To achieve the California State Department of Education Desired Results for Children
and Families, which are:
Children are personally and socially competent
Children are effective learners
Children show physical and motor competence
Children are safe and healthy
Families support their children's learning and development
The Child Development Center at Bakersfield College (CDC) offers a student service
with the primary goal of providing a comprehensive child development program that
serves student families and their children.