Ventura — Easterseals Southern California (ESSC)—which assists more than 15,000 people with disabilities or from underserved communities and their families throughout SoCal—is celebrating the renovation and expansion of its Child Development Center in Ventura.
The center serves 168 kids ages 0 to 5 with Early Head Start and other pre-school services that are free to income-eligible families. Children who participate in Easterseals Child Development Services come from the local communities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Saticoy, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula and Ventura.
The newly renovated space features the innovative Garden of Eatin’ which includes:
- Outdoor learning spaces with unique curriculums.
- A garden and green house where kids learn to grow their own organic fruits, vegetables and plants.
- An outdoor kitchen for hands-on food preparation, learning healthy eating habits and an appreciation for the taste of natural foods.
- A reading gazebo, stage for music and plays and several playgrounds for exploration and more.
“Children receive rich learning experiences that are meaningful and culturally relevant,” said Regional Director, Anna Izaguirre. “Our outdoor learning environment exposes children to Science, Technology, Reading/Relationships, Engineering, Arts and Math (STREAM). We work with our local community and are able to provide enrichment classes including music, dance, cooking, gardening, pottery and healthy eating. The learning that happens indoors is also enhanced outdoors in a fun and engaging manner.”
The center also features a computer lab for parents who may not have access to technology or the Internet, enabling them to research and apply for jobs or to fulfill other needs. Said ESSC Executive Vice President Carlene Holden, “We have a holistic approach with services that support both the child and parents. Our staff of quality teachers and support workers partner with families to prepare children for lifelong success.”
Commented Mark Whitley, president & CEO of ESSC, “Pre-school programs, such as those offered by Easterseals, are essential to raising healthy, happy kids and elevating entire communities. Widely available early education and childcare benefits kids both today and long-term. It allows children to be prepared for kindergarten and life beyond, while families build a strong economic foundation by pursuing additional education, job training or work.”
WHO: Easterseals Southern California
WHAT: Open House Celebration (Outdoor event/Masks required indoor)
Featuring tours, refreshments, live music & activities
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 4-6 p.m. – Ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m.
WHERE: 10730 Henderson Road, Ventura, CA 93004
EVENT RSVP: [email protected] or 657.242.1147
MEDIA RSVP: Vicki Greenleaf – [email protected] or 323.660.5800
About Easterseals Southern California
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Easterseals Southern California provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 15,000 people each year—from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, daily and independent living services for adults, employment programs, veterans’ services and more. Our public education, policy and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society.
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Media Contact:
Vicki Greenleaf
Greenleaf & Associates — 323.660.5800 / (cell) 323.573.5111