Program
". . .each time one prematurely teaches a child something he could have discovered for himself, that child is kept from inventing it and, consequently, from understanding it completely." -Jean Piaget
The Child Development Center is an intergral part of our College community. The Center operates as an instructional laboratory program and child development services for students. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing, Title 22 and meets guidelines of the California Department of Education, Title 5.
The program is participating in collaboration with Neighborhood House Association Head Start to provide support services to children and their families. The Center implements current techniques and research in the field of child development and provides a rich variety of preschool activities. Parents of children enrolled in the Center's program are required to enroll in specific child development courses that support the operation of the children's program. The courses have a lab participation requirement that is completed by working in the Center. Course requirement varies according to the program in which the child is enrolled.
A Waiting List is established during a two-week period each semester. Parents need to go the Child Development Center to pick up an application for fall semester--July 1-15, intersession and spring semester--December 1-15 and summer semester, May 1-15.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
Observations
Mesa College Child Development Center operates as an instructional laboratory program. Our doors are open to all San Diego Mesa College students that may want to observe the daily operations or need to complete assignments for a class they are enrolled in. Please come to the Child Development Center located in Building R between 8:00 am-12:30 pm Monday-Friday or 2:30 pm- 4:00 pm Monday-Thursday. You will be asked to log your visit into the Student Observation Sign In including the reason for your observation and class you are observing for if applicable. A staff member will assign you to a classroom that best lends itself to your observing needs. Students do not need to make appointments in advance to come in for an observation. The Mesa College CDC is ready and excited to have you!
Visitors
Mesa College Child Development Center welcomes visitors from the community, students from surrounding colleges and colleagues to visit in our classrooms and observe our program. To schedule a visitation please call 619-388-2812. Please call to make an appointment and discuss the purpose of the visit so we can be sure to best accommodate you.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Laboratory Program at Mesa College CDC has many volunteer opportunities. A volunteer may choose to work in a classroom, assist administrative staff, or propose an improvement project or special event for our program or facilities. In order to be a volunteer (16 hours or more a week) one must have fingerprinting records through Live Scan and be cleared through the California Department of Justice. In addition, a copy of a recent TB test (within 1 year) is needed. Please stop by the Mesa CDC to pick up a volunteer packet to complete all necessary paperwork.
Special Events
Mesa College CDC welcomes hosting opportunities for special events related to the well being of children, parent education, and environmental friendly practices. To propose an event or collaboration please call 619-388-2812. Mesa CDC is always seeking guest speakers/volunteers for our staff development, curriculum enhancement, projects, gardening, cleaning and organizing, health and safety, and building.
