Child Development Center

The San Mateo Union High School District's School Age Parenting and Child Development Program provides infant and toddler daycare on site at Peninsula High School. This allows teen parents who are residents of SMUHSD to continue their education and earn a high school diploma while receiving free daycare during the school day.

PHILOSOPHY

The Peninsula Child Development Center is dedicated to providing a warm and accepting environment which promotes the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of each child. We recognize and respect the uniqueness of each individual and are committed to providing an environment in which the child, parent and student may develop to their fullest potential within the Center.

Our philosophy urges us to look at the "whole" person and provide a program of excellence which meets the needs of the developing children and their parents.

GOALS

• To provide a warm and accepting environment in which each child feels secure, respected, and loved.
• To provide an atmosphere in which a bonding relationship is fostered between the parents and their child.
• To provide an enriched environment in which the child is an active explorer and learner.
• To encourage creativity and independence in both the child and parent/student.
• To strengthen the self-esteem of each student.
• To provide opportunities for growth and development for the students, staff and parents.

PROGRAM

The Children

The Child Development Center environment is rich with activities and apparatus which enable the child to develop trust, coordination, concentration and independence. The daily program includes experiences in movement, music, art, language, socialization, and occasional field trips.

The Parent

Classes are provided that teach the role of parental skills, opportunities for career development, and the completion of the high school curriculum.

The Student

A curriculum is designed that will teach parental skills to those students who desire to learn about the responsibilities, realities and rewards of being a parent. Activities are offered that will teach the student child care techniques, in an atmosphere that will encourage nurturing and positive creativity.

SPONSORSHIP

The Peninsula Child Development Center is state funded, licensed by the Office of Child Development, California State Department of Education, and administered by the San Mateo Union High School District. The Center provides formula, milk and all food needed for the children during the day. We provide snacks for pregnant and nursing mothers too. In addition, we supply all of the diapers needed during their stay.