THE CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
FACT SHEET

College of the Canyons - Center for Early Childhood Education programs include an on campus Laboratory Toddler and Preschool providing two important services:

• Opportunity for classroom and laboratory study of preschool children by COC students fulfilling course requirements

•  Developmentally appropriate environment for children 12 months and walking to 5 years of age

PHILOSOPHY

This preschool experience provides the child with a variety of educational and creative material to stimulate both learning and social interaction while allowing for individual differences, encouraging exploration and providing opportunities to make choices.  The primary focus of the program is to promote feelings of competence and self worth which will serve as a strong foundation for future growth.

STAFF

Fully credentialed staff.  Director, Master Teachers and Associate Teachers aided by qualified COC students engaged in student teaching.

 ELIGIBILITY

The authorization for admission to the Toddler & Preschool Lab is made by the Director when each child is determined to be:

• socially, emotionally and physically ready for the type of group experiences the Center will offer;

• able to benefit from the program offered;

• in good health.

College of the Canyons students (enrolled in at least 6 units), faculty and staff, and low income families have priority on all unused spaces in the Center.  Spaces in this category which have not been filled during the priority application period are then open to the community.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE - Placement on Waiting List

Registration in the Center takes place during the Fall Semester (August).  Dates of priority registration are available in the Center office as is the “Wait List Fact Sheet”.  Priority registration accommodates College of the Canyons students and those currently enrolled in the center. 

Waiting lists will be maintained and utilized during the application period for those expressing interest.  A separate waiting list is maintained for families eligible for any of our State of California funded grant programs (i.e. State Preschool Expansion - Half day or Full day, Infant/Toddler, or CalWORKs).

Grant placements are based on eligibility of the parent or legal guardian (required to present legal custody documents) of a child according to priorities established by the State.  AFDC/TANF and low income families with the lowest per capita income will be given priority.  Children 4 years of age are admitted first, then 3 year olds.

PLACEMENT ON THE WAITING LIST

• Early placement on the waiting list is advised.

• Obtain application form in the FS&ECE building.

• Return the completed form to the same office.

• A non-refundable registration fee will be accepted to hold a place when an opening occurs.

• Non-students are welcome to apply.

PROGRAMS & HOURS

The center offers a 10-month program and observes all campus holidays.  A Summer program may be offered.  “Potty-training” is not necessary prior to enrolling. 

• Lab School:  For children 2 1/2 to 5 years old*.  Parents may choose MWF, T/TH, or Monday through Friday, half or full day programs.

                        Half Day Program:   A.M. Session - 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
                                                              P.M. Session - 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

                        Full Day Program:    8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Toddler Program - Walking to 30 months:  For children 12 months to 30 months*.  Parents may choose MWF, T/TH, or Monday through Friday, half or full day programs.  

                        Half Day Program:     8:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
                Full Day Program:    8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

                        Younger Toddlers (12 months - 17 months) - Cottage 3
                Older Toddlers (18 months - 23 months) - Cottage 1
                Toddlers (24 months - 30 months) - Green Room

 Early Birds:  To extend the morning session, supervised play will be available at 7:45 a.m. to permit students with early classes to leave their children at the Children's Center for an additional fee.  Non-students are welcome to apply.

 Extended AM’s:  Children are welcome to extend either the a.m. or p.m. session by participating in this program.  Space is limited and subject to availability.  All children (except full day children) left at the Center any time between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. will be charged an additional fee.  This fee will not be prorated for parts of the session.

Extended PM's:  Supervised play will be available to extend the afternoon session until 4:30 p.m.  Space is limited to Students and Working parents only!  All children (except full day children) left at the Children's Center any time between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. will be charged an additional fee.  This fee will not be prorated for parts of the session.

 Click here to view FEE SCHEDULES.  All fees are paid in advance.

Partially funded by the California Child Development Department - Child Development Division.  Nutrition program partially underwritten by both State and US Department of Agriculture.

 For more information, call The Center for Early Childhood Education at (661) 362-3501.

How to Enroll:
1.  Click below to open, print, and fill-in the application.  Mail your application to address on upper right hand corner address:
            Toddler & Preschool Enrollment Application (Snail Mail)
2.  Click here to fill-out Enrollment Application on-line:  ECE Application (Email) (The E-mail form is currently unavailable.)