The Children's Center Collaborative offers a unique learning environment that promotes children's development to reach their full potential. A collaborative partnership with E-Center's Head Start program, it provides full day child care and development services for income eligible children ages three to kindergarten entry.

 

This comprehensive program provides seamless, preschool opportunities to meet children's individual and identified needs, and offers specialized health and family support services. Elm Center, and Bird Street Children's Center are located in Chico and Oroville.

 

 

The preschool classroom experience provides children with opportunities to acquire new skills and to learn about themselves. Most learning comes through a natural interaction in a rich environment rather than the studying that comes later in life. Children in the program are taught educational skills through music, art, story time, math play, and science exploration. Social and emotional skills are learned through sharing, listening, and communication practice. These activities, in addition to dramatic play, outdoor fun, and healthy food demonstrations, also support physical development and coordination.

 

 

The home is the primary learning environment, and parents are children's first teachers. The staff at the Children's Center Collaborative consider themselves partners to parents. They are excited to share information and offer support so that what the child is learning at home and school can reinforce each other.

 

Home Visits: Parents have the opportunity to participate in home visits to receive support and ideas for teaching preschoolers a variety of new skills, and to support parents in meeting their family goals.

 

Individualized Support: The Family Educator works with the parents and children to identify strengths and goals for the family, and provides resources to meet those goals.

 

Parent Advisors: Parents are welcome to participate in the classroom and are encouraged to offer input and ideas for a better program. Parents can also elect to be on the Policy Council to be more involved in the program decisions that impact their child's education.

 

 

The Children's Center Collaborative is a full day program offered to assist families in which parents are working, going to school, or are participating in a work-training experience. The program offers breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. An afternoon rest time is also scheduled.

 

Program Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

 

To enroll in the Children's Center Collaborative, phone (530) 532-5643 for an application.

 

Eligibility is based on a number of factors, with income level and age being the primary requirement. It is best to phone the number above to determine how your family fits within the eligibility and prioritization for enrollment.