Available Programs
CCCDS receives state and federal funding sources to serve families in need of child development services.
- Federal funded programs are as follows:
-
Migrant Early/Migrant-Seasonal Head Start Program serves 784 (728 migrant and 56 early migrant) children ages six weeks through compulsory school age in the Merced and Stanislaus Counties. A family wishing to enroll their children in the Migrant-Seasonal Head Start Program must meet four of the following requirements; age, migrant status, seasonal status, source of income, and income eligible.
-
Regional/Early Head Start Program serves 119 children in Stanislaus County. To be eligible, a child must be at least three years old by the date used to determine eligibility for public services. A child who turns three years old after the date used for is eligible upon his/her third birthday and are income eligible.
- State funded programs through the Child Development Division of California Department of Education are as follows:
-
State Based Migrant Program (CMIG) serves approximately 355 children ages according to center’s license in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. The family shall have earned at least fifty percent (50%) of its total gross income from employment in fishing, agriculture or agriculturally related work during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of application. Families shall also meet eligibility and need criteria.
-
General Child Care Program (CCTR) serves approximately 91 children ages according to center’s license in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Families shall meet eligibility and need criteria. Contact the Stan Wait at (209) 238-6400 or John O’ Banion Child Development Center at (209) 726-3154 to apply for this program. Applicants will be contacted in accordance of priorities.
-
California State Preschool Program Full Day (CSPP) serves approximately 211, four and three year old children in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Families shall meet eligibility and need criteria. Contact the Stan Wait at (209) 238-6400 or the John O’ Banion Child Development Center at (209) 726-3154 to apply for this program. Applicants will be contacted in accordance of priorities.
For more information on eligibility, please contact the centers.
Nutrition
Central California Child Development Services, Inc. (CCCDS) participates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Care Food Program (CCFP), which helps us provide free meals to all children in the program. CCCDS follows “The Head Start Nutrition and Wellness Policy” for meals, snacks, and in all food- related activities and celebrations. This policy is recommended by the CCFP to ensure all food is nutritious and follows the required guidelines of said program.
The food provided is USDA approved and prepared by qualified well trained staff. Children are served nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Children with any food allergies or nutritional special needs can receive a proper food substitution. In such case parents must complete the required documentation.
Meals are served “family style”, and at least one staff person eats and talks with children at mealtime. Mealtimes become learning experiences as children:
- Try new foods.
- Discuss where different foods come from.
- Talk about nutritional values of foods, and making healthy choices.
- Enjoy tasty foods.
- Develops skills by serving their own food and pouring their own milk.
- Practice good table manners.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Educational Program
The educational program provides activities for children that facilitate physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. The program is developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriated and is designed to enable children to develop to his/her fullest potential.
A Developmental and a Social/Emotional Screening is completed for each child enrolled in a Head Start Program, by their 45th day of enrollment. These screenings provide a snapshot of the child’s physical, language, social, cognitive, and emotional development, and is used to determine if further screenings or referrals are needed. Further referrals to outside agencies take place with the parent’s consent. Developmental Screenings are administered to children on an as needed basis.
A Developmental Assessment is also completed for each child enrolled in a Head Start program, three times per season. Based on the Assessment, a School Readiness Plan, including 3 School Readiness Goals, is completed, for each child and updated twice per season. Parents and Teachers work together to develop age appropriate goals to help each child succeed. Home visits and Center Conferences occur to strengthen the connection between home and school.
Teachers develop weekly Activity Plans that include each child’s individualized needs, as well as their interests. If a child has an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the goals and objectives from the IEP are also addressed.
Infant/Toddler Care
An Infant/Needs and service plan is developed for all infants and toddlers are completed by staff with the assistance of the parent prior to the first day of attendance and updated quarterly or as often as needed. The primary caregiver provides routine activities (arrival/health check, diapering/toileting, feeding, bathing, napping, departure) to meet each child’s individual needs.
School Readiness Plans are also developed for infants and toddlers enrolled. The process is the same as used for the preschoolers. Records are kept on each child’s bottle-feeding, nap times, meals, diaper changes, and bowel movements. These records are shared with parents as requested.
Children enrolled in State programs, receive a Developmental Assessment two times per season, and Center Conferences are scheduled to review the Child’s Developmental Progress.
CCCDS has staff members that are certified trainers in the Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC), which provides specialized training in:
- Social-Emotional Growth and Socialization
- Group Care
- Learning and Development
- Culture, Family, and Provider
Health, Mental Health and Disabilities Services
Our agency provides a broad range of medical, dental and mental health activities. These promote sound physical, social and emotional growth and development. Complete health screenings are provided for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Parent health education teaches families how to seek help and care for their children’s health.
All CCCDS programs provide supportive services to parents of children with disabilities.
Head Start and State program staff works with local school districts to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) for preschool children and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP’s) for children under 3 years of age. These plans comply with appropriate learning activities for children with special needs. Head Start policy mandates 10% enrollment of children with disabilities.
CCCDS makes sure that all environments are accessible to children with disabilities and we comply with requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).