PUSD Early Childhood Education Benefits Children and Parents

Education starts long before grade school and no one knows that better than the faculty and staff at Pasadena Unified School District’s Early Childhood Education Centers. The Children’s Centers offer full-day preschool programs for children ages three to five years old parents who are working, attending school, job training, seeking employment, or incapacitated.

“We get children ready for kindergarten in all aspects of growth,” said Dina Perez, Site Supervisor at the Washington Children Center.

The day includes STEAM education, practical skills and the Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum is based on 38 objectives that are fully aligned with the California’s Early Childhood Foundation Standardsand Early Learning Framework. This curriculum allows students to explore and investigate

“The whole day, the children are exposed to learning,” said Perez.

The outdoors is an extension of the classroom, explained Perez. Learning occurs in many different environments throughout the day. Children also learn social skills like problem solving and peer-to-peer conflict resolution. Children also learn practical skills like how to serves themselves at meals and use utensils properly.

Perez described the Early Childhood Education Centers as a highquality program for families. She adds that many of the families are referred by friends and relatives to the program. The parents can work and the children can grow, explained Perez.

“This is [the children’s] second home…it is a safe and loving environment,” she said.

In addition to its 4 full day children centers, Pasadena Unified also offers 15 half day, a.m. and p.m. classes located on 14 elementary school campuses. They offer dual immersion preschool classes in Mandarin and Spanish.

For more information call (626) 396-5762 or visit www.pusd.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=141.