The Child Development Center (CDC) is a fully licensed childcare facility located on the Lake Tahoe Community College 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. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC.

Our philosophy is based on the belief that children learn through play. The LTCC Child Development Center (CDC) 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, faculty and community members. Childcare is available in full or half day blocks, and meals are provided. Children must be enrolled for a minimum of two half-days per week. Although the CDC operates at full capacity, students have top priority and every attempt is made to accommodate their needs. Some subsidy money is also available through federal grant funds and scholarships.

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 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.

Ratios
In the infant and toddler room there is one caregiver for every four children. In the preschool room there is one caregiver for every eight children.