John Adams Child Development Center, Santa Monica

We believe that each child is an individual with unique needs, interests, and abilities. Growth and learning occur is a sequential manner and can be fostered by providing children with experiences that encourage interaction with peers, materials, and adults. We will work in partnership with each child's parent to facilitate the individual growth and development of their child. This will promote a better understanding of the impact that the culture, linguistic, and ethnic practices of the child's family has upon the child. A variety of developmentally appropriate activities will be offered under the guidance of qualified adults, that foster cognitive, social, creative, and physical development. Both group and individual experiences are provided in order for children to develop a sense of belonging and to still be able to purse their own specific interests. Our Center's environment encourages exploration, discovery, decision-making, play, and social interaction to foster self-esteem, competence, and autonomy in children. PROGRAM: The Santa Monica Preschool Collaborative serves children who are 3 years through 5 years of age. The ratio of child to adult never exceeds eight to one. The staff has designed a flexible program that responds to the needs of each individual child. The curriculum is developmentally appropriate with an emphasis on the development of the child's positive self-image. Our program is inclusive. We serve children of all developmental levels and abilities. Children who have special needs are enrolled in our regular classes. We believe that all children benefit when they play and learn together under the guidance and supervision of well-trained teachers. ELIGIBILITY: The Santa Monica Preschool Collaborative welcomes all children regardless of race, creed, color, religion, or national origin. Children ages 3 years through 5 years of age may attend the program according to space availability. Families, who meet the State guidelines for subsidized care, and those who qualify for subsidy through the CalWORKs childcare program, will have first priority for enrollment. Fees are based on a sliding scale that is used by the State of California Department of Social Services If there are spaces available after all subsidized families have been enrolled, then “full-fee” families can be enrolled. The Santa Monica Preschool Collaborative is a group foundation made possible by: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Santa Monica College District