Areas of Growth and Appreciation

Despite the challenges we experienced over the last few years with COVID-19 restrictions and limiting access to our centers, we're very pleased to know our families appreciate all our hard work. Parent satisfaction is our goal and inspiration, and we know they missed watching their children develop friendships and find a sense of belonging at PACCC. We are thrilled to be able to invite parents in again so they can see our programs in action, academically and socially. Families and staff are re-connecting in-person and building on important relationships, further helping the children to thrive!

There's more to do and a ton of opportunities to explore. We have shared the results of our recent parent survey with Palo Alto Unified School District to align with their goals and expand enrichment opportunities for children. We encourage parents to join us on social media to see the many ways our dedicated staff guide PACCC kids' learning and development through play. We also hope parents are enjoying Learning Genie as a new, innovative way to monitor what their children are up to.

We have been hard at work building an online enrollment and billing system! This new technology will greatly improve and streamline the enrollment process for parents and staff, and give parents direct access to invoices and receipts.

Infant-Toddler and Preschool

Spring has sprung at our ITP programs! The spring season is the perfect time for children to connect with nature and improve their overall well-being through healthy, plant-based foods and exercise. Many of our programs are beginning to plant their school gardens. Gardening strengthens and develops their motor and STEM skills, and improves focus and memory.

School-Age

Our school-age staff are excited to welcome families back into their programs! It has been amazing to see the interactions between children and their families during pick-up time, whether it is reading a story together, showing them artwork on the walls or parents just simply sitting back and observing, it is a wonderful sight that was truly missed over the last two years. School-age staff have been holding spring conferences with parents about academic support, social-emotional well-being, and are preparing for end-of-year family events.

Staff Development

Ongoing staff development is key for our educators to expand their knowledge, evolve approaches, and develop curriculum which will complement our educational system.

Our educators came together on March 25th to attend workshops with the intention of gaining tools and resources in reflective practice and belonging. They enhanced their professional development skills using evidence-based research and best practices that support observations, hands-on experiences, reflection, and cooperative learning.

Special guest speaker, Patrick Burt, Mayor of Palo Alto, thanks our educators for their ongoing commitment though the pandemic.

PACCC Educator Highlight

Melissa Ross began her career at PACCC in 2008 as the Director of Mini Infant Center. In 2015 she moved to the administrative office as PACCC's first Recruitment and Substitute Coordinator. In 2019 she was promoted to the role of Infant-Toddler and Preschool Program Coordinator to oversee all of PACCC’s infant-toddler and preschool programming. Melissa was again promoted to the new role of Senior Program Coordinator in 2021 to lead all programming for children ages 0-5th grade.

Melissa's goal as Senior Program Coordinator is to ensure the community’s children are thriving by providing safe environments, developmentally appropriate practices, social-emotional learning, and academic support.

Read More

2022 SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMPS

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

Spring Monthly Assets

Developmental Assets are positive values, relationships, skills and experiences that help children thrive.

The Search Institute created the developmental assets framework and has identified

41 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed. In collaboration with Project Cornerstone, PACCC works to advance learning opportunities for children, families, and staff within our programs in relation to The Search Institute framework.

Thank you, Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto, for volunteering to renovate Sojourner Truth Child Development Center's kitchen and laundry room, and paint their classroom. Your hard work has greatly improved spaces we use every day, and made a beautiful environment for children, families, and educators. The greatest gifts that come from your volunteer efforts are happiness and enhanced well-being for our community.

Thank you, Douce France, for donating a scrumptious breakfast to our community's educators on Staff Development Day.

Opening Doors

Thursdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm

The Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors program works with parents of young children to promote practices that foster children's learning and development, parent leadership, and advocacy.

Therapy Matters with Dr. Glenna

Mondays 10:00am – 10:30am

We know the impact that the stresses of daily life can have on an individual and/or family and want to provide a space for the entire family and community to learn healthy ways to manage, as well as provide a space to let go. This program has been adapted to fit the lifestyle of the working professional - listen in from the comfort of your desk!

Storytime & Family Fun Friday

Fridays 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Family Fun Friday is a virtual program that aims to create a fun, inclusive and safe environment for families to help them strengthen their communal relationships, as well as engage with AACSA staff.

Virtual Celebration 

April 28, 2021, 4-5pm Live Stream! Registration required

Recognizing and celebrating educational programs with goals that focus on equity and access, such as 2022 My Name, My Identity Student Art Honorees

• CA Department of Education
• City of Palo Alto
• Kiwanis of Palo Alto
• Palo Alto Unified School District
• Palo Alto Community Fund
• Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund
• WestEd E3 Institute