Curious Minds Newsletter

May 2025

PACCC Partners with MyGym

PACCC has partnered with MyGym to provide enrichment at Downtown Children’s Center and Ellen Thacher Children’s Center. MyGym fosters physical development, coordination, and a love for active play in a supportive and fun environment and is a fantastic way for children to explore movement and build essential skills through joyful activities!

Each week, the children engage in a variety of exciting experiences, from twirling hula hoops and playing under colorful parachutes to expressing themselves through dance. They also navigate fun obstacle courses, practice rolling and jumping, and participate in engaging follow-along songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Now, that’s a fun workout!

May is Bike Safety Month!

May is Bike Safety Month and we so appreciate these reminders and safety tips from our partners at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Learn more about the importance of a properly fitted helmet, which can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent! Download the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Booklet on the website, be aware, and have fun! After all, Palo Alto is the recipient of the Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Award from the League of American Bicyclists and is known for its passion for biking.

The City of Palo Alto shares, “With more than 50 miles of bikeways and a strong commitment to expanding safe, convenient infrastructure for cyclists of all ages, biking here is more than just a commute — it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or just exploring our beautiful parks, every ride counts toward reducing emissions and creating a more connected community.”

Mental Health Awareness Month

PACCC recognizes and embraces the importance of mental health and wellness and in alignment with our partners at PAUSD, “strives to provide for the social, emotional, and physical health needs of all students, staff, and families. Our goal is to cultivate positive, identity-safe school environments that promote high levels of connection, resilience, and overall well-being throughout the school community.” Check out PACCC’s comprehensive list of resources for Palo Alto Families, including Youth & Families, Adult Counseling Services, Grief Support, Hotlines, and Support Groups. Please reach out if you need support. You are part of our community and ‘community’ is literally in our name!

Infant-Toddler Enrollment for 2025 is OPEN!

Infant-Toddler Enrollments are now open!

Our Enrichment programs include:

Healthy, organic, freshly cooked meals
Engaging, play-based curriculum
Caring and experienced educators
Safe and stimulating learning spaces
Social, emotional, and academic development

To the extent possible, subsidized childcare services are provided through funding from the City of Palo Alto and State of California. The generosity of donors and funders provide additional funds to PACCC's Financial Assistance Programs. Online applications available here! For questions or to schedule a tour, please contact us at enrollment@paccc.org.

ENROLL TODAY!

Join a PACCC BOARD COMMITTEE and Help Create the Future of Palo Alto!

At PACCC, we actively seek partnerships and experts in our community to help foster an environment where children learn, play, and grow together. Partnerships are an integral part of our Strategic Plan and we assert that it really does take a village! We invite you to join us in our mission to provide and advocate for exceptional and accessible childhood education and care.

Some of the expert skills we are currently seeking are in the areas of Finance, Investments, and Endowment and Board Committee Development. Come and share your passion with us at PACCC and help create Palo Alto’s future through its most important asset – the children!

PACCC Sponsors the

Blossom Birth & Family Fair

PACCC is a proud sponsor of the Blossom Birth & Family Fair! Blossom Birth & Family “provides families with resources, services and support in the journey from preconception to postpartum and beyond.” Stop by our table on May 17 at Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall (Building F) from 10AM – 1PM. Free. Register here!

Interactive Parenting Classes & Workshops

PACCC partner, JFCS Center for Children and Youth is offering a wide variety of in-person and online parenting classes. “Get expert guidance concerning everything from behavior and temperament to discipline and limit-setting while connecting with other parents. Join our parent support groups, ongoing baby classes, and workshops on divorce and single parenting. Search by topic, location, or your child’s age group here!”

JCFS Presents:

Setting Limits for Your Child: Building Boundaries for Positive Development

Recently, JCFS held a workshop on "Setting Limits for Your Child: Building Boundaries for Positive Development.” Led by Elisa Magidoff, MA, Director of Parents Place at the Center for Children and Youth, the workshop is designed to assist parents with age-appropriate techniques for setting healthy limits, maintaining consistency in discipline, and responding to challenging behaviors. A recording of the workshop is available here!

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 and early education efforts and events this month: