The College of the Canyons Center for Early Childhood Education (ECE) is currently accepting applications for the upcoming school year, with a limited number of full and half-day openings available for both toddler and preschool aged children.

The ECE Center’s fall semester will begin Monday, Aug. 20, with registration scheduled to take place through July and early August.

The Center’s full day program will run from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., while half-day classes run from either 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (extended hours may be available for early drop off and late pick up options).

In addition, families that apply now but are unable to enroll for fall 2012 will have their applications on file with the Center in advance of subsequent semesters. Financial assistance is also available to families that qualify.

“I encourage any interested parents to stop by the Center and pick up an application today,” said Wendy Ruiz, director of infant/toddler programs at the Center. “We would love to have you and your child join our family!”

About the College of the Canyons Center for ECE

With facilities conveniently located on the college’s Valencia and Canyon Country campuses, the ECE Center offers both full and half-day programs for toddlers ages 12 to 30 months and preschoolers ages 3 to 4, and is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience, in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive learning environment.

The primary focus of the program is to promote feelings of competence and self-worth that will serve as a strong foundation for the children’s future growth and educational development.

The Center is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Division and has maintained accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Academy ofEarly Childhood Programs, since 1985.

All of the Center’s staff members — including a site supervisor, master teacher, associate teacher and teacher’s aide — hold a child development permit from the state commission on teacher credentialing.

Currently celebrating its 30th year of operation, the college’s ECE Center has incorporated a program structured around the state’s recommended preschool learning foundations.

By maintaining a low student to teacher ratio in its classes, the Center’s staff work to provide children with a variety of creative materials and curriculum intended to stimulate learning and social interaction, and designed to develop and support language arts, math/science, dramatic play, music, movement, social/emotional and creativity skills.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Center for Early Childhood Education (ECE) or to apply for the fall 2012 semester please contact Gloria Lopez at (661) 362-3531 or visit www.canyons.edu/departments/cd/.