Mission + Philosophy

The Contra Costa College Early Learning Center is designed to support the optimal development of children, their families, and students of the college. By working in tandem with the Early Childhood Education Department on campus, we use our extensive knowledge and expertise of early childhood to provide a primary example of best practices in caring for and teaching young children.

Our commitment is to provide a wide range of anti-bias and anti-racist experiences that promote learning, self-awareness, problem solving, creative expression, kindness towards others, as well as a respect and appreciation for cultural differences and the natural world. We recognize the importance of the early years in human development and seek to provide an environment that supports the development of each individual’s full potential.

The Early Learning Center will:

• Provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment for all children and adults.
• Provide well-prepared learning experiences that meet the individual needs of each child.
• Provide learning activities and materials that are concrete, real and meaningful to the lives of the children.
• Provide an environment where Early Childhood students can observe and learn effective teaching practices.
• Provide quality childcare services to support the academic success of parents who are enrolled at Contra Costa College.
• Provide a climate of respect, encouragement and support for all.
• Provide education, support and resources to parents.

Eligibility + Fees

We serve children of CCC students, CCC staff and faculty and children from the community.

Preschool Care and Instruction

Children ages 3 years to kindergarten entry are eligible to enroll in one of our three preschool classrooms.  Note: if a child turns three within the first semester that they start care, they can start in the preschool.

Tuition

Infant and Toddler Care and Instruction

Children ages 6 weeks to 36 months are eligible to enroll in our infant or toddler classroom. Note: if a child turns three within the first semester that they start care, they can start in the preschool.

Monthly Tuition

Subsidized Care

We hold state contracts to help subsidize payments for income and need eligible families. Depending on a family’s income, this subsidy will entirely or partially pay for the child’s tuition. Families who would like to apply for subsidy through either our General Child Care Grant or through our State Preschool Grant, need to meet with our Early Childhood Education coordinator and discuss required documents needed to determine eligibility.

We also accept outside subsidies, including:

• CALWORKS
• Child Care Council
• San Pablo Economic Development Council (SPEDC)

Sibling Discount

There is a sibling discount of 10% for the oldest child.

Application + Enrollment

Families are invited to tour the center, meet the staff, and learn more about our programs. To ensure that a staff member is available, please make an appointment in advance. At the time of the visit a request may be made to receive additional information on how to enroll your child.

Enrollment is completed by appointment with the Director or ECE Coordinator. No child will be admitted to the center until all paperwork has been submitted, eligibility and enrollment criteria have been verified.

When the semester has started, enrollment placements are granted from the Center Waiting List in order of priority, not by a first come first served basis. The Waiting List maintains identifying information as well as contact information on each individual. Each Waiting List applicant will remain on file until a childcare space becomes available and the family is contacted.  Enrollment Priorities are put in place due to requirements for state funding.

Enrollment has two parts:

1. Application
   The ELC Application Form can be completed and emailed to mignacio@contracosta.edu or brought in to the ELC front desk. This form is used for the Waiting List.
   
2. Enrollment Packet
   Once contacted and notified that there is a space for your child/ren, you will then be required to complete an enrollment packet. Enrollment Packets can be picked up at the front desk or downloaded here from the forms below.  Additional paperwork will be required if the parent wants to apply for subsidy through our center with one of our state grants. This will be indicated on the Application form and we will let you know what documents will be needed when a space becomes available.
   
   All enrolled children are required to have a file that contains the following:
   • Child’s Current Immunization Records
   • Admissions Agreement
   • Identification and Emergency Information
   • Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment
   • Physician’s Report
   • Health History Form
   • Consent for Administration of Medication
   • Parent’s Rights
   • Personal Rights
   • Walking Field Trips
   • Photo Release Form