PCC center turns 1

Birthdays are the time for cakes and the Child Development Center at PCC had just that for all to enjoy in celebration of its first year anniversary Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Children, parents and employees also enjoyed watching bubbles float in air as part of the festivities.

The state-of-the-art center empowers the 125 children to learn and grow in an environment that is "aesthetically pleasing and stimulating," said Stacey Smith, site supervisor. The children are active participants in their surroundings.

"The California Association for Education of Young Children has chosen our center to be one of the featured schools on their tour during the California state conference in April," Smith said.

Students from the college are able to observe the children outside and through computer observation. LBCC students who have children age 2-5 may enroll their sons or daughters.

For students, the center is conveniently located on campus, providing childcare services while parents are attending class.

The center includes sand boxes, jungle gyms, bike paths, a growing garden and building blocks to help encourage and promote healthy and active play.

Smith said, "The center has been a huge success. All of our slots are filled and we have a waiting list for all classrooms. We hope to open an infant room in January 2008, which will serve 12 infants each day. Every day is an adventure at CDC-PCC. We are so happy for all those that took part in our first birthday party."

Interim vice president of PCC and dean of arts and applied sciences Gary Scott said, "The center is an advantage for both LBCC students and their children."

Further information is available by contacting Smith at 938-3080. The center's website may be found at childrencenter.lbcc.edu.