Services

Food Program

The Merced College Child Development Center provides all meals and snacks that meet required nutritional guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Child Care Food Program (CCFP).

Family Service Program

This program provides support for the whole family and direct services for the children of the Center. The main focus of this project is to provide early detection screenings for children enrolled to identify no-so-obvious health problems and to address them before they become significant health concerns. Additionally, the Family Services Coordinator will meet with each family and design a family service plan to identify any specif needs.

Intervention Services

With proper support services the Center can serve children and aid them in becoming successful and school ready. The following intervention services are offered throughout the year at the Center:

Hearing Screenings: Acoustic impedance screening for children enrolled at the Center

Speech/Language Program: complete speech and language evaluation for at risk children. Early Intervention for those children who qualify.

Dental Program: Dental screenings for all children enrolled at the Center. An oral health education program offered to parents.

Social-Emotional Health: Preliminary screenings for potential developmental problems or disabilites, along with parent and staff education.

Vision Screenings: Vision screenings offered to all children 3 to 5 years of age.

Parent Education Program

Promoting effective parenting techniques and skills through education. Nocost classes will be offred to the parents of the Center focusing on General Child Development; Health & Safety; Nutrition; First Aid & CPR; and additional topics. The Center additionally has a lending library, funded through First 5 Merced County providing access to books, videos and learning materials regarding health, safety and parenting skills.