Courtesy photos.
VENTURA — Easterseals Southern California’s (ESSC) Child Development Center in Ventura has completed its first phase of renovations. In addition, thanks to additional Early Head Start grant from The Department of Health and Human Services, the nonprofit disability services organization is now able to expand its day care and early education services to especially young children (just six weeks through preschool), helping families with children up to age five. The Center is incredibly inclusive and serves children with and without disabilities.
The Easterseals Southern California Child Development Center (CDC) provides free childcare to low-income families. The Center remodeling included adding new classrooms, a teacher’s lounge, adult restrooms, and office spaces. Dining areas have new countertops, cabinetry, appliances, and flooring, with custom alterations specifically designed for kids. Additionally, an outdoor environment is under construction, where parents can spend time with their children before and after they drop them off for childcare. The outdoor space will include a garden area, quiet reading area, and more to make for a more stimulating learning environment.
The CDC staff works to help children hit important cognitive and physical milestones, as well as share signs with parents that early intervention might be needed. Also offered is a homebased option where a Home Visitor goes into the home to support the parents in engaging in meaningful interactions that promote attachment and school readiness with their child.
The CDC team includes teachers, Family Service Specialists, Home Visitors, Health and Nutrition Coordinator, Mental Health and Disability Specialist, Curriculum Manager and Area Director. Anna Izaguirre, who serves as the Easterseals CDC’s Ventura Area Director, has a rich career in early childhood care. Her experience includes coaching teachers on quality environments of children between ages 0 – 5 at the Ventura County Office of Education. She has also worked with the Ventura Unified School District in their teen parenting program, focusing primarily on infants and toddlers. Additionally, Anna has served as the Infant/Toddler Program Director for seven years at Patagonia’s Great Pacific Child Development Center in Ventura. With 20 years of educational and childcare experience, Anna is the epitome of Easterseals’ dedication to providing parents with quality care for their children.
Easterseals Southern California is currently in the process of enrolling children at the Child Development Center and wants to make local families aware of the opportunities to enroll their children. Families can learn more about the application process by calling (805) 647-1141.