Child Development Center serves students and their kids

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE —An aspiring young photographer decides to see what happens if the camera is backwards. 
Photo by: Nicholas James

Ms. Aleska is here!

That is what preschoolers of the “Sunflower” classroom at the Child Development Center yell when they see teacher Aleska Doten in the morning.

Doten’s favorite part of the day is the warm greeting, she said, when the children run towards her with open arms ready to hug.

Southwestern College has a Child Development Center that aids students, staff and community members. It provides a safe environment where children and SC students can learn. Grants and resources to cover costs are available for students navigating school and parenthood.

Isabel Carrasco, the acting director, said CDC is a lab school that takes care of children ages 2-5 and prepares SC students for child development careers. Students enrolled in child development classes are allowed to attend observations required for their assignments, she said, and can work with mentors to complete practicum hours for Associate’s degrees or certificates.

“We are not just a preschool, we also serve our students,” she said.

Carrasco said the center is inspired by the Reggio Emilia teaching approach which allows children to explore and create according to their passions and abilities. A garden and art studio encourage children to try new activities, she said.

“The environment indoors and outdoors is set up as a third teacher,” she said.

Work is Play is work— Teacher Aleksa Doten guides children between the ages of 2 to 5 at the Child Development Center. The CDC  provides support for SC students with children and an academic laboratory for child development majors.
Photo by: Nicholas James

Doten said the educational program is different every day. She recently added yoga exercises and meditation to her class.

“We do a lot of art, that is part of the philosophy,” she said. “Exploring nature and music.”

Doten is in charge of the “Sunflower” classroom funded by a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, which helps Pell Grant students with children.

“(CCAMPIS) gives the students and military families the opportunity for free child care,” she said.

SC student Fatima Cervantes, 37, a nursing major, has her daughter attending preschool at the center, which she said helped her to eliminate time wasted when driving.

Parents can study and catch up on assignments at the CDC while their children are playing or sleeping. Carrasco said there is a clothing pantry that children can access.

Cervantes, as a single mother, said she appreciates extra services available at the CDC such as free printing, coffee and mini food pantry.

“We have more responsibilities as single parents,” she said. “Not only we are trying to get ready, we are trying to get the little ones ready.”

Carrasco said CDC staff members love what they do and like to encourage SC students to persevere.

Cervantes said the staff is friendly and approachable for children and parents. Staff members know every child’s name, she said, a detail that makes them feel welcomed.

“I see a change in my daughter,” she said. “She is brightened up, she is more vocal and friendly.”