Nurturing the whole child
Discover our unique play- and nature-based programs
Children’s Programs at the CEC
Infant, Toddler, & Preschool
Program
At our beautiful Oak Grove site in La Cañada, we serve children ages two months to five years. This program has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) continually since 1988.
Preschool Program at Caltech
Now Enrolling! The new CEC Preschool program serves children ages three to five years old. Located one block from the Caltech campus in Pasadena, the CEC Preschool at Caltech serves Caltech and families from the surrounding community.
School-Age Program
Our School-Age Program serves more than 650 children daily at seven sites in Pasadena and La Cañada before- and after-school, with full-day care available on many school holidays or closures. Our School-Age Program is aligned with standards of the National AfterSchool Association.
Summer Exploration Camp
The CEC’s Summer Exploration Camp offers children 1st grade through 7th grade outdoor fun and adventure in an exciting day camp experience! Camps include Descanso Discoveries, our weekly Summer Exploration Camp at our Oak Grove site, and after-summer school care for LCUSD (ALF) summer school attendees.
Our Philosophy.
We believe that the primary value a child care program must embrace is providing the quality of loving that is critical to a child's well-being. This includes:
Accepting children as they are, valuing their uniqueness.
Assisting children to perceive their world holistically, recognizing the connection and interdependence among all things, valuing uniqueness and diversity.
Encouraging clear communication, verbal expression of feelings, sensitivity to others' needs and attunement with one's own needs.
Through immersion in outdoor environments, children and adults build the foundation for a holistic connection to the natural world.
Our experienced teachers are child development professionals specializing in early childhood education and school-age programing. Our excellent ratio of adults to children permits individual attention, differentiated curriculum based on children’s emerging skills, and strong relationships among children, teachers, and families.
Our Teachers.
Our engaging indoor and outdoor classrooms are full of provocations, areas intentionally designed for exploration, and learning opportunities that intrigue and delight children. Each unique environment is separate from the other developmental groups, allowing it to be appropriately safe, yet challenging.
Our Learning Environments.
Join us.
Submit your application for admissions today