Child Development Center offers collaboration and innovation
Child Development Center at WIllow International Center
The Child Development Center at Willow International Center represents an exciting partnership between SCCCD, Clovis Unified School District, and the State of California. More than 30 courses are taught through the Child Development Program, which offers nearly a dozen degrees or certificates. The center offers opportunities to work directly with young children for students in early care and education, nursing, and child development. The facility has lecture rooms, offices, toddler and preschool laboratories, and a large playground.
“We have high school students working with us from several of the local high schools.” – Sallie Turpen
“The Child Development Center provides teachers in training with a model training site that will guide their learning in quality early care and education,” said Sallie Turpen, Child Development instructor. But future teachers aren’t the only students who benefit. “Careers in early care and education cover a wide range of fields,” she said. “You could work in an early care and education program, home day care, elementary school, adult education programs, creative arts and media, social services, community work, or a health-related field.”
One of the most unique aspects of the Willow International Child Development Center is the close proximity to Clovis North High School, and the collaboration between the college and the Clovis Unified School District. Each year high school ROP (Regional Occupation Program) students participate in programs at the Child Development Center. The high school students work with mentor teachers to gain hands-on experience working with children.
“We have high school students working with us from several of the local high schools,” Turpen said.
Although the center is only a few years old, it has already making progress in a statewide effort to strengthen the early care and education profession through the California Community Colleges Early Childhood Curriculum Alignment Project (CCCECE-CAP). Beginning in Fall 2010 the Associate Degree in Child Development at all SCCCD campuses will reflect these improvements.
“The goal of our profession is for all licensed childcare facilities and preschools to be accredited by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC),” Turpen said. “These centers have exemplary practices, relationships, environments, and curriculum. They are the model centers in our community.”
The center at Willow International is currently completing the accreditation process, with an aim to be accredited by the Fall 2010 semester.
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