Pierce College allows students to do hands-on experience with students from the Child Development, Psychology and Nursing departments. The purpose is to create a nurturing environment for children and to provide childcare at no or low cost for qualifying families.
The Child Development Center (CDC) is surrounded by asphalt on one side and, on the other, a large field that seems endless. Situated northwest of Pierce, the CDC has plenty of amenities to accommodate children, parents and students.
These hospitalities range from the play area and classrooms that allow children to nurture their development. These environments may differ in surroundings but are given the same tools. Arts and crafts are allowed outside as well as inside. The same goes for their reading areas.
“We are providing an environment for these children to learn in both sets of environments, which is indoors or outdoors,” said Director of the Child Development Center Melissa Brisbois. “We allow the children to choose where they feel comfortable to learn.”
They receive that education by learning by doing, where they can do math, write, or the arts whenever they feel comfortable. These children are also supported by the staff emotionally and socially, all the while being in a safe space where they can feel nurtured.
Child Development student Emely Moreno said the kids have a receptive energy and hopes to give that back.
“The sessions with the children and staff members give a great insight into what really happens in a classroom, and I just hope they can feel safe with me,” Moreno said.
The treatment of the children is that of being cared for individually, and they are treated uniquely, created by the positive atmosphere the Child Development Center exudes. This results in students perceiving how children develop under carefully organized environments.
“We are just trying to make sure they feel safe, so what we do is make sure they feel safe before and after class and make sure they communicate and understand feelings,” said Moreno. “For them, we are making sure they get the chance to learn as much as possible in such a short time with us.”
Distance Education Coordinator Wendy Bass, who teaches child development, said the child care center is special because it offers students quality child care at an affordable price.
“This allows our students who have kids the opportunity to attend classes knowing that their kids are getting quality care,” Bass said.
According to the LAPC website for the CDC, for parents to qualify is based upon certain factors like income and if the parents are full-time students. There is also a priority for families who are homeless or who live within the community.
The CDC also allows students to find more avenues for success by posting job listings on their bulletin boards. They also include tutors for child development students who may need a helping hand.
“We are helping families get the job they need to support their families,” Brisbois said. “That is why for the parent who just takes night classes, they still take priority.”
