Curious Minds Newsletter

January 2026

DRDP and the Whole-Child Approach

Approaches to Learning

In alignment with the California Department of Education (CDE) and Department of Social Services (CDSS), PACCC is proud to continue its work as an early adopter of the revised Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) program. Designed by the State of California and funded by the CDSS, DRDP is a “developmental continuum from infancy through grade three that is designed to assess the progression of skills across multiple domains of learning.”

As promised in our December Curious Minds, we are pleased to introduce the first of seven domains, Approaches to Learning (ATL), presented by our very own ambassador and avatar, Emery Bright! Take it away, Emery!

When Emery Bright received the news that she was the Ambassador for the Approaches to Learning DRDP domain, she squealed with delight! This was her big moment to share this fun, amazing, fantastic, supersonic story about the assessment tool PACCC was using in their whole-child approach to early education and care.

Emery Bright took a deep breath, walked out on stage, stood in the spotlight, and… 👉 [read full story here] 👀

Read the Full Story.. 👀

Board Highlight

Natalie Geise

Office of Strategic Planning Senior Associate, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Natalie Geise joined the PACCC board in 2025 and is a passionate advocate on environmental, housing, and educational issues in the Palo Alto community. Professionally, Natalie earned her doctorate in chemistry from Stanford University and currently manages planning and strategy for science and technology at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. She was recognized with the 2025 Athena Emerging Professional Leadership Award from the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce.

Partnership – Pathways of Palo Alto

PACCC is proud to partner with Child Development Pathway and Palo Alto High School where “students develop practical skills, build a strong academic foundation in child psychology and development and understand the responsibility of working with young children. Twice per week, students gain hands-on experience and apply their academic knowledge by engaging with young children in local preschool or elementary classrooms” through 3, year-long courses in Early Childhood Development.

“After completing this pathway, students will be in a position to apply for teaching permits so that they are able to obtain a salaried position as they pursue their post-secondary education…The pathway is open to all students, and students do not need to commit to the pathway to take introductory courses; everyone is welcome.”

Paly Voice reports, “According to [Reine] Schultz, the program is also valuable for preparing students to be future parents and educators.

“Whether or not you become a teacher, educator or if you’re gonna have children in the future, you get to learn more about how their development can work both inside and outside the classroom,” Schultz said. “So instead of just making you a good teacher, it [ECD] could also just make you a better parent.”

PACCC in the Community

As a community leader in Palo Alto, and in keeping with our Strategic Plan and commitment to build and foster community, PACCC partners with families and regional agencies to provide and advocate for exceptional and accessible childhood care and education.

You will find PACCC engaged in the following advocacy efforts and events this month:

DCC Ribbon Cutting
SCCOE Winter Retreat
City Council Retreat
Every Child CA Impact Summit

Self-Compassion and Mindful Parenting Workshop

The Center for Children and Youth, a Division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) is offering a workshop in “compassion cultivation based on the latest research on mindfulness and altruism.” Participants will have the opportunity to “explore strategies for strengthening self-compassion, connecting with others, and finding peace in difficult circumstances.” The session includes meditation, self-reflection, and relevant discussions on self-care and parenting. The workshop is $30 and is taught by Jenny Ward, MFA.

Family Fun in Palo Alto!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Join Youth Community Service (YCS) on Monday, January 19, 2026 to gather in community and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The celebration will feature guest speakers, performers, prizes, and youth-led activities. Free and open to all.

City of Palo Alto Playhouse Series

Bring the family out and enjoy some great live theatre with “very simple sets and costumes, and lots of opportunities to get up and wiggle…this story-teller style theatre is perfect for young audience members.” 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning January 24. See show schedule for details.

Celebrate Luna New Year

Ring in the Lunar New Year with Palo Alto City Library on Sunday, January 25 from 2:30-4:30pm at the El Palo Alto Room of the Mitchell Park Community Center. This event also includes crafts, along with our very Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo friends, and light snacks. Ideal for children 3-11 and their families, but all are welcome.

5 ^th Annual Palo Alto Puzzle Hunt!

The City of Palo Alto invites you to the 5th Annual Puzzle Hunt on February 1, 2026! “Team up with the Solving Fun Puzzle Pals and embark on an epic journey to explore the coolest spots in town. Get ready for brain-bending puzzles that are equal parts clever and fun—perfect for families and friends to solve together. This is your chance to ditch the screens, discover our amazing city, and create stories worth sharing.”

Movie Night at Cubberley Community Theater

This family-friendly movie season begins on January 14 on the big screen at the Cubberley Community Theater! Participation is free, but pre-registration is requested due to theater capacity.

Don’t Miss Goodnight Moon Live on Stage!

Palo Alto Children’s Theatre is bringing this charming children’s story based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans, to life on stage from January 28 through February 15^th.

Household Hazardous Waste Station is Open!

In case you’re planning to do a deep clean of your garage for the new year, The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Station is open for business and “provides Palo Alto residents with an environmentally safe, convenient way to dispose of unwanted hazardous household products.” Open rain or shine!

Final Days for Palo Alto Youth Softball Spring Registration!

Softball is fast-growing in Palo Alto and nationwide, and now you can share the experience with the whole family. Come join the fun, friendships and fantastic community playing softball this spring in Palo Alto Youth Softball (PAYS), with registration open through January 16. PAYS features trained & enthusiastic positive coaches, player development and inclusion, while fostering teamwork, self-esteem, physical health and social-emotional growth for our players. No softball experience is required, and all abilities and experience levels are welcome for ages 5-14. For questions or comments, email: info@paloaltoyouthsoftball.org