Reflections: PACCC’s Strategic Plan, Phase 1 Accomplishments! | Phase 1 of PACCC’s Strategic Plan served as the foundational stage that paves the way for the subsequent phases, creating a logical progression toward achieving our long-term goals. In alignment with those objectives, we are happy to share some of our high-level achievements. A full report of PACCC’s Strategic Plan accomplishments will be highlighted in the upcoming annual report. | | |
Literacy & Kindergarten Readiness:
- Incorporated Every Child Reads Initiative (School-Age) and Raise a Reader (Preschool) into PACCC programs to complement early learning literacy development.
- PACCC TK sites have preschool qualified educators guiding curriculum for kinder-readiness outcomes.
|
|
Advocacy Accomplishments:
| |  | |
Professional Development Accomplishments:
- Provided over 100 varied professional development opportunities and incentives.
- PACCC educators secured an additional 32 State of CA Early Child Education Permits.
- 119 Professional Development Incentives given for exceeding continuing education requirements.
| |
Financial Aid Accomplishments:
- Increased financial aid resources to 215 children.
-
Enrolled 92 ELOP students.
- Designated $500K to PACCC’s scholarship reserve to better support local families.
| | | PACCC and the Learning Genie Curriculum | | |
PACCC’s infant-toddler, preschool and TK sites are implementing the Learning Genie's Curriculum to help enhance the curriculum in programs. This feature provides a whole-child approach and ensures robust observation and assessment by mapping PTKLF (Preschool Learning Foundations) to DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile). Additionally, specific adaptations are provided to support the developmental needs of toddlers. Educators have access to a variety of resources such as book suggestions, activity ideas, and printables to use as part of their planning. | | Learning Differences Awareness Month | | |
At PACCC, we embody the value of fostering care, compassion, and respect for all people. October is Learning Differences Awareness Month. “Learning differences affect 1 in 5 in the United States [and if] left untreated, these differences can be a barrier to reaching full potential.” Learning Differences is an “umbrella term for many types of learner variability including dyslexia, dysgraphia, sensory integration disorder, central auditory processing disorder, nonverbal learning disorders, visual perceptual/visual motor deficits…and other language-based disorders.”
Approximately 40% of those with learning differences also develop mental health challenges including anxiety or depression due to having to exert twice the effort just to keep up with their peers. To learn more about Learning Differences, please visit the Children’s Health Council site and consult your family physician.
| | San Antonio Road Area Plan Survey – Share Your Feedback! | | Don’t forget to share your feedback on The San Antonio Road Area Plan by October 31. The San Antonio Road Area Plan is a multi-year initiative to reimagine land use, transportation, and community planning for a 275-acre area. Community input will help inform Council decision-making throughout the key milestones of this effort. Through a new survey, share your feedback on the Area Plan's vision and goals, opportunities and challenges, and types of changes you'd like to see. Responses will help the City create options and alternatives for housing, transportation, commercial development, and outdoor spaces ahead of City Council consideration. Additionally, the South Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Rail Crossing Survey closes on October 12. | | | Join us for PACCC Family Night! | |
Mini Cat Town has offered to host PACCC families and PACCC staff for a free session of kitten play, goodie bags, and fun at Mini Cat Town on November 6th at 7pm at Kitten Lounge & Adoption Center at 429 California Ave in Palo Alto. Square Pie Guys at the new Palo Alto location at 369 California Ave is offering 10% off your orders between 5:00–7:00pm. Just mention PACCC when ordering!
| | Family Friendly Events in Palo Alto! | | |
Family Storytime at Mitchell Park Library!
“Come sing, rhyme, and read stories with us! While this Storytime will be geared towards those older than 2 years, all ages are welcome!” Tuesdays and Saturdays.
| | |
Halloween Scare Faire & Costume Swap!
“From caped crusaders to spooky spiders, from fairies to firemen — let the costumes rise again!” Wondering what to do with last year’s costumes? Come to the Scare Faire & Costume Swap and donate, swap, mix and mingle. Hosted by Transition Palo Alto on
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM
| | |
San Antonio Road Area Plan: Community Workshop
Join this community workshop and “share your ideas and priorities for the San Antonio Road area. Meet the project team, learn about the Area Plan, and share your feedback on what opportunities and challenges should be considered in preparing the Area Plan. October 23, Cubberley Community Center – Pavilion, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
| | |
6th Annual Jack-o-Jaunt!
Come out for a festive night with ghouls and goblins and cast your vote for the “scariest, cutest, and most creative” pumpkin at the 6th Annual Jack-o-Jaunt at Lytton Plaza on October 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Don’t miss the PACCC Pumpkins…keeping a watchful, flickering eye on the festivities!
| | |
Playhouse Series: Chang'e and the Moon
“This story-teller style theatre is perfect for young audience members, suggested ages two to six years old. Performances are approximately 35 minutes in length, at Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on October 25 & 26.
| | |
Halloween Zoo Night!
Head over to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo for a members-only Halloween event. “Come dressed in your best and enjoy free pizza, spooky but kid-friendly decorations, live animals, fun activities, and more!” $10 per person.” Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM
| | |
Holiday Toy Drive
Starting on Saturday, November 01, 2025 to Sunday, December 14, 2025, you can donate new and unwrapped toys, books, gift cards, and other gifts will be accepted at four different locations throughout Palo Alto. All donations will go to a local youth in need during this upcoming holiday season!
| | |
You will find PACCC engaged in the following advocacy and early education efforts and events this month:
| |
|
Pumpkin Carving Night -
Ohlone Kids’ Club (OKC)
Escondido Kids’ Club (EKC)
Palo Verde Kids’ Club (PVKC)
| |
Pumpkin Party - Walter Hays Kids’ Club (WHKC) | |
Cocoa Creations - Sojourner Truth Child Development Center (STCDC-IT and STCDC-PS) | |
Halloween Spirit Week - Downtown Children’s Center (DCC) | |
Firetruck Visit - Ellen Thacher Children’s Center (ETCC) | |
Diwali Celebration Week! - Palo Verde Kids’ Club (PVKC) |
|
Haunted House October - Ohlone Kids’ Club (OKC) | |
Harvest Festival - Barron Park Children’s Center (BPCC) | |
Día de los Muertos Celebration - Hoover Kids’ Club (HKC) |
|
Halloween Pumpkin Carving Night - Juana Briones Kids’ Club (JBKC) | |
Spooktacular - Addison Kids’ Club (AKC) | |
Pumpkin Explorations & Art - College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) |
|
Pumpkin Carving Family Night - Duveneck Kids’ Club (DKC), El Carmelo Kids’ Club (ECKC) | |
Diwali Celebration - Ellen Thacher Children’s Center (ETCC) | |
|
Halloween Fest - Besse Bolton Kids’ Club (BBKC)
|
|
Día de los Muertos Celebration - Barron Park Kids’ Club (BPKC) | |
Pumpkin Patch and Costumes - Ellen Thacher Children’s Center (ETCC) | |
Halloween Carnival - Palo Verde Kids’ Club (PVKC) |
|
Fall Costume Parade - College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) | |
Halloween Spook Fest - Ohlone Kids’ Club (OKC) | |
Fall Festival - Infant-Toddler Center (ITC) |
|
Apple Cider/Hot Chocolate and Cookie Decorating - Downtown Children’s Center (DCC) | |
Classroom Friendsgiving & Cultural Dress-Up - College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) | |
| |
Happy Anniversary, PACCC Employees!
We couldn’t do it without you!
| Thank you for the education and care you provide for Palo Alto’s children, and thus, our future! | |
|
Shashi V. (BBKC)
Oct 17 – 20 years
Kandice M. (Admin)
Oct 25 – 20 years
Erin F. (Admin)
Oct 20 – 17 years
Melissa R. (Admin)
Oct 20 – 17 years
Clive C. (DKC)
Oct 21 – 12 years
| |
|
Zintia Jaimes H. (ITC)
Oct 12 – 8 years
Mary N. (STCDC-IT)
Oct 22 – 7 years
Glenda D. (CTC)
Oct 14 – 6 years
|
|
|
Leslie Alvarez C. (SUB)
Oct 11 – 3 years
Benjamin C. (ECKC)
Oct 24 – 3 years
Haidi De S. (SUB)
Oct 7 – 1 year
Taipaleti L. (HKC)
Oct 7 – 1 year
| | |
Did you enjoy this newsletter?
Click subscribe and we’ll deliver it to your inbox each month!
| | |
STAY CONNECTED!
Be with PACCC all day long.
JOIN THE FUN
#PACCCKIDS
| | | Stay tuned for next month's Curious Minds newsletter! |
| | | |
