Cerritos College Opens Child Development Center

Submitted by Cerritos College

Nearly 300 people, including College officials, community members, dignitaries, faculty, staff, students, children and alumni of Child Development Center were on hand to celebrate the grand opening on February 4. The program has served student-parents since the 1970s.

Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Linda L. Lacy welcomed guests and thanked the community for supporting the College’s bond measures passed by voters to modernize the campus. Lacy was joined by Board of Trustees President Carmen Avalos, Vice President Shin Liu, members Bob Arthur, John Paul Drayer, Dr. Sandra Salazar and Zurich Lewis. Instructional Dean of Health Occupations Sandy Marks, and Director of Child Development Center Debra Ward delivered remarks.

“This high-quality child development center provides the assistance that student-parents need to complete college while successfully raising a child,” said Lacy.

In addition to easing the burden of child care costs for student-parents and the community, the Center serves as an educational program for young children and as a training laboratory for future teachers in the College’s child development/early childhood programs.

The $6.1-million General Obligation Bond project includes approximately one acre site with 9,000 square feet of child care space. The facility serves 125 children from ages 2 to 5 and features two classrooms, office space and a kitchen/staff room. The innovative, outdoor education area includes climbing areas, underground tunnels, an art studio, and California themed learning spaces such as mountains, the beach, urban and agricultural areas.