American River College Children'S Center

Overview

The Child Development Center at American River College offers early childhood care and education for children of student-parents, college employees, and community members. The center also functions as a teaching laboratory for students preparing to work in early childhood education and related fields.

Educational approach and curriculum

The program follows a child-centered, emergent curriculum that grows from children’s interests and teacher observations. Classrooms are designed with principles aligned to Reggio Emilia concepts, featuring distinct play spaces, natural lighting, child-sized furnishings, and open-ended materials to support exploration, problem solving, and social-emotional development.

Laboratory school and student opportunities

The center serves as a practicum site for students in early childhood education and other disciplines, providing supervised hands-on experience and mentoring from lab teachers.
Mentor teachers guide practicum students through routines and classroom work, offering feedback and modeling teaching practice.

Enrollment and policies

Enrollment is by application and placement on a waitlist requires a complete application packet. The center follows district-wide Child Development Center policies and procedures and maintains nondiscrimination practices in program access and communication.

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American River College Children'S Center

About

Overview

Educational approach and curriculum

Laboratory school and student opportunities

Enrollment and policies

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