The Child Development Center at Bakersfield College has opened up new classrooms for children ages 2-5 years old.

The CDC at BC is a state licensed program. It is licensed through the California Department of Social Services, and the teachers are certified through the California Commission on Teacher’s Credentialing.

According to Danell Ward, the center’s manager, three new classes have been recently opened.

One class is an all-day class for 2-year-olds, starting from 7:30 a.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. This class feeds the children a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and is for student’s children only. There is room for 30 2-year-olds and the price is based on a sliding scale fee.

The center also has two classes a day that are free to the public for 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds. The morning class has over 20 openings from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. and the afternoon class has over 20 openings from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. These classes also serve a healthy lunch.

This center is based on Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and recognizes individual family values and cultures. The staff at the center encourages families to get involved in their child’s education and welcomes families’ input.

The program provides an atmosphere where each child is respected and recognized for his/her uniqueness. It also offers children encouragement and support to help build their self-esteem, learn autonomy, competence, and to help them to be successful learners.

For more information on the Child Development Center at Bakersfield College, contact Program Manager Danell Ward at (661) 395-4368 or e-mail Ward at [email protected].