The Child Development Center

My son’s attendance here began when he was 2.5 years old (that’s 30 months for the month-​counters out there). The entire experience has been nothing short of fantastic since the first day I ever waved goodbye to my toddler, leaving him in the care and educational guidance of amazing teachers, interns, and classroom helpers/​volunteers!
On entering and exiting the adorable CDC of MCC you are always welcomed with warm greetings and sent home with generous well-​wishes by the woman behind the front-​desk, Mark or Linda! (directors of the center)
This school, located on the MiraCosta college campus, is a laboratory school meaning that students of the college studying Child Development are allowed to learn from children at play via observation booths or hands-​on activities within the various classrooms in the center. Parents, of course, sign a waiver consenting to allowing their child to be observed.
I think this aspect of the school is wonderful! It’s like educational mutualism: everybody benefits! It’s also great because as a parent or relative, you can visit your child’s respective classroom observation booth and watch your kiddo in their natural element without them even knowing you’re there!
Each classroom is comprised of children within the same age range and the ratio between child and teacher is adequate and comforting! Children engage in many different kinds of play and learning every day of the week, in fact, teachers often plan their days based on what they have seen their students finding the most interest in! While the classrooms have routines that they try to follow to create that sense of a schedule for the children, it is never 100% cookie-​cutter final: the children too can help drive the direction in which the activities go!
The actual classrooms themselves are spacious and feel organic! (I LOVE the use of natural light to brighten the learning space and the fact that the classrooms are not equipped with those cheap, plastic climb on toys you might find at any other preschool-​like setting!) Instead the classes are furnished with wooden structures for climbing on, cozy reading areas, play-​pretend nooks, various child-​sized round tables for a variety of different activities, spots made with specific themes in mind: science, math, writing, nature, ect, a place for group-​time/​gathering, and a lovely outdoor place space! Don’t forget the tiny toilets!
I have enjoyed my son going here as much as I believe that he too really enjoys being enrolled at this great preschool! The tuition is quite reasonable! The center offers rates dependent on whether a parent is a MIraCosta student or simply a member of the general population. The lines of communication are always open between families and the staff of the CDC, whether you’d like to speak in person, over the phone, or through email! I love when the center has events that bring children, their families, and the center’s staff together. We really make a unique community!