Admissions and Elegibility

American River College operates child care programs for student parents who are continuing their education. There are multiple centers which serve toddlers, preschool and school age children. Students-parents must meet eligibility requirements regarding income and need as established by the State Department of Education/Office of Child Development. Authorization for admission is made once the child is determined to be:

• 2 years to 10 years of age at the beginning of the semester that is requested for care.
• ready for the type of group experience that the child care center will offer.
• socially, emotionally and physically mature for their age.
• able to benefit from the program.

Applications are available at the center office, located in the Child Development Center CDC 300, on the east side of campus behind the cafeteria. Please complete the application in full, incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Toddler Program

(24 Months-35 Months)

The Toddler Program is based on the philosophy that toddlers flourish in an atmosphere of responsive care giving, develop at their own rate and are furnished a nurturing environment in which it is safe to explore and develop a positive self-image. This is provided through a nurturing environment, opportunities for toddlers to make choices, recognizing individual growth patterns and respecting individual needs and temperaments.

Preschool Program

(3 Years - 5 Years)

This program is based on the philosophy that children can learn the skills necessary for success, learn at their own rate, go through certain developmental stages of growth and with success in learning, will develop a positive self-image. This is provided through recognizing each stage of development and fashioning a curriculum that will nurture and facilitate growth. Also, opportunities for children to make choices as they move about in the environment.

School Age Program[Summer Session only]

(Kindergarten-10 Years)

The purpose of the school age program is to provide a warm, affectionate atmosphere for children while their parents are attending summer classes. The program is designed to create an atmosphere which will ensure each child's continued success and interest in learning. In planning the educational environment we have taken into account the various ages of the children attending, the level of each child's development and the ways in which children learn.