Child Development Center

The Child Development Center (CDC) at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is a fully licensed childcare facility located on LTCC's campus. Licensed for 46 children aged 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten or 6 years, the CDC is a model facility for Early Childhood Education students. With a proud history of serving families in the Lake Tahoe community for thirty years, the CDC has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of parents and children, providing a nurturing environment for early learning and development. 

Our philosophy is based on the belief that children learn through play. The LTCC Child Development Center provides a hands-on, developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the needs of the children as a group and each child as an individual. The staff works closely with each family to assess the child's and the family's needs within the child care setting.

Open year round, the CDC serves the childcare needs of students, staff, and community members. We do maintain a waitlist but staff, students, and currently enrolled families of LTCC have first priority when space is available.

Childcare is available in full or half day blocks, and meals are provided. We prefer that children be enrolled for a minimum of two half-days per week, as this benefits both the child and the staff in getting to know each other. 

The CDC provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can trust their caregivers. The curriculum addresses the development of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of each child. We believe that children become independent learners by having flexible, open-ended equipment and materials easily accessible to them. In recognition of this, the program encourages active exploration and free choice in a richly equipped learning center environment.

Young children are members of families, and the CDC recognizes that the family is the primary influence on the child's growth and development. The CDC considers each family's needs and desires for their children. Welcoming parents into the center and encouraging them to share their expertise with other children, staff, and parents strengthens the center-family bond. 

A child's self-esteem is based on pride in his/her culture, appreciation of his/her feelings, celebration of his/her uniqueness, and experiences of success. At the CDC, all staff members treat each child and his/her family with respect and appreciation.

The center is designed as a service for the child, his or her family, the college, and the community. Through observation and participation, college students interested in becoming teachers of young children start to learn their craft. The program provides for the total development of each child through the coordination of safe and hygienic physical facilities, appropriate educational programs, trained staff, and limited referrals for social, health, psychological, and nutritional services. The center also provides parent education and parent participation opportunities. Admission to the center is open to all children regardless of race, creed, sex, color, or religious affiliation. The program refrains from religious instruction or worship.

Guests are not allowed at this time and we are unable to give tours. For those wishing to get on our waiting list, please complete this form and email it to cdc@ltcc.edu. Once we are able to offer you a spot, we will ask you to come in to visit and get to know us.

Ratios

Infant 3:1

Toddler 4:1

Preschool 8:1