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CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Programs That Help Children Learn, Grow & Thrive

High-quality early care and education for eligible families in Stanislaus and Merced Counties.

Find the Right Program
Find A Center
Teacher helping preschool children learn through play
Children 6 Weeks-Kindergarten

Ages
6 weeks to 5 Years

Children 6 Weeks-Kindergarten

15 Center Locations plus Family Child Care Homes

Children 6 Weeks-Kindergarten

Stanislaus & Merced Counties

Children 6 Weeks-Kindergarten

Family-Centered Care

Explore Our Programs

To view eligibility for State and Federally funded programs that support children and families, click the "View Eligibility" links below.

Migrant Children's Head Start Education

FEDERALLY FUNDED

Migrant-Seasonal Head Start Program

6 weeks to 5 years in Merced & Stanislaus Counties.

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Federal funded programs are as follows:

1. Migrant Early/Migrant-Seasonal Head Start Program serves 693 (637 migrant and 56 early migrant) children ages 6 weeks through compulsory school age in the Merced and Stanislaus Counties. A family wishing to enroll their children in the Migrant-Seasonal Head Start Program must meet four of the following requirements: age, migrant status, seasonal status, source of income, and income eligible.

State funded Migrant Children Child Card and Preschool

FEDERALLY FUNDED

Regional Head Start Program

Preschool and early childhood services in Stanislaus County.

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CCCDS serves 104 (80 regional and 24 early headstart) children in Stanislaus County. To be eligible, a child must be at least 3 years old by the date used to determine eligibility for public services. A child who turns 3 years old after the date used for is eligible upon his/her third birthday and are income eligible.

Child care food program

STATE FUNDED

State Based Migrant Program (CMIG)

Care for eligible agricultural and migrant families in Merced & Stanislaus Counties.

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The CMIG program serves approximately 410 children ages according to the Center’s license in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. The family shall have earned at least fifty percent (50%) of its total gross income from employment in fishing, agriculture or agriculturally related work during the 12 - month period immediately preceding the date of application. Families shall also meet eligibility and need criteria.

Child care food program

STATE FUNDED

General Child Care Program (CCTR)

Care for eligible families based on need and income.

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The General Child Care Program serves approximately 95 children ages according to the Center’s license in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Families shall meet eligibility and need criteria. Contact Stan Wait at (209) 238-6400 or John O’ Banion Child Development Center at (209) 726-3154 to apply for this program. Applicants will be contacted in accordance of priorities.

State funded Migrant Children Child Card and Preschool

STATE FUNDED

California State Preschool - Full Day (CSPP)

Full-day preschool for eligible 3 and 4 year old children.

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This preschool program serves approximately 228, 3 and 4 year old children in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Families shall meet eligibility and need criteria. Contact Stan Wait at (209) 238-6400 or the John O’ Banion Child Development Center at (209) 726-3154 to apply for this program. Applicants will be contacted in accordance of priorities.

For more information on eligibility, please contact the centers.

Not Sure Which Program Fits Your Family?

Eligibility varies by age, income, family need, work, and migrant or seasonal status.

Check Eligibility
Call (209) 581-9000
Family seeking child development services in Central California

Whole-Child Services Included

Children and teacher sharing a nutritious family-style meal
Child care food program

Nutrition

  • Free nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks
  • Food substitutions for allergies or special needs
  • Learning and conversation at mealtime
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Central California Child Development Services, Inc. (CCCDS) participates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Care Food Program (CCFP), which helps us provide free meals to all children in the program. CCCDS follows “The Head Start Nutrition and Wellness Policy” for meals, snacks, and in all food- related activities and celebrations. This policy is recommended by the CCFP to ensure all food is nutritious and follows the required guidelines of said program.

The food provided is USDA approved and prepared by qualified well trained staff. Children are served nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

Children with any food allergies or nutritional special needs can receive a proper food substitution. In such case parents must complete the required documentation.

Meals are served “family style”, and at least one staff person eats and talks with children at mealtime. Mealtimes become learning experiences as children:

  • Try new foods.
  • Discuss where different foods come from.
  • Talk about nutritional values of foods, and making healthy choices.
  • Enjoy tasty foods.
  • Develops skills by serving their own food and pouring their own milk.
  • Practice good table manners.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions, participating in or administering USDA programs, are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or in reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Educational Program

  • Individualized learning goals
  • Developmental and social-emotional screenings
  • Family conferences and home-school connection
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The educational program provides activities for children that facilitate physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. The program is developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriated and is designed to enable children to develop to his/her fullest potential.

A Developmental and a Social/Emotional Screening is completed for each child enrolled in a Head Start Program, by their 45th day of enrollment. These screenings provide a snapshot of the child’s physical, language, social, cognitive, and emotional development, and is used to determine if further screenings or referrals are needed. Further referrals to outside agencies take place with the parent’s consent. Developmental Screenings are administered to children on an as needed basis.

A Developmental Assessment is also completed for each child enrolled in a Head Start program, 2 times per season. Based on the Assessment, a School Readiness Plan, including 5 School Readiness Goals, is completed for each child and updated twice per season. Parents and teachers work together to develop age appropriate goals to help each child succeed. Home visits and Center Conferences occur to strengthen the connection between home and school.

Teachers develop weekly Activity Plans that include each child’s individualized needs, as well as their interests. If a child has an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the goals and objectives from the IEP are also addressed.

Teacher guiding children through a hands-on learning activity
Child care provider caring for an infant and toddler

Infant & Toddler Care

  • Individual needs and service plans
  • Primary caregiving and daily care records
  • Specialized PITC-trained staff
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An Infant/Needs and Service plan, developed for all infants and toddlers, are completed by staff with the assistance of the parent prior to the first day of attendance and updated quarterly or as often as needed. The primary caregiver provides routine activities (arrival/health check, diapering/toileting, feeding, bathing, napping, departure) to meet each child’s individual needs.

School Readiness Plans are also developed for infants and toddlers enrolled. The process is the same as used for the preschoolers. Records are kept on each child’s bottle-feedings, nap times, meals, diaper changes, and bowel movements. These records are shared with parents as requested.

Children enrolled in State programs, receive a Developmental Assessment two times per season, and Center Conferences are scheduled to review the Child’s Developmental Progress.

CCCDS has staff members that are certified trainers in the Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC), which provides specialized training in:

I. Social-Emotional Growth and Socialization
II. Group Care
III. Learning and Development
IV. Culture, Family, and Provider

Health, mental health and disabilities services

Health, Mental Health & Disability Services

  • Medical, dental and developmental screenings
  • Family health education and referrals
  • IEP and IFSP support in accessible environments
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Our agency provides a broad range of medical, dental and mental health activities. These promote sound physical, social and emotional growth and development. Complete health screenings are provided for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Parent health education teaches families how to seek help and care for their children’s health.

All CCCDS programs provide supportive services to parents of children with disabilities.

Head Start and State program staff works with local school districts to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) for preschool children and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP’s) for children under 3 years of age. These plans comply with appropriate learning activities for children with special needs. Head Start policy mandates 10% enrollment of children with disabilities.

CCCDS makes sure that all environments are accessible to children with disabilities and we comply with requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Children participating together in an inclusive classroom activity

Every Child Is Welcome

CCCDS supports children with disabilities and complies with IDEA and applicable accessibility requirements.  CCCDS complies with the "Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" and "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" regulations. We do not discriminate against children with suspected or identified disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ages do CCCDS programs serve?

CCCDS provides child development services for eligible children from six weeks through five years of age. The specific ages served vary by program and the license of each child development center.

How do I know which program is right for my child?

The appropriate program depends on your child’s age, where your family lives or works, household income, family need and, for certain programs, migrant or seasonal agricultural employment. Contact CCCDS or your nearest center for help identifying the most appropriate program.

How does my family qualify for CCCDS services?

Eligibility requirements vary by program. Factors may include household income, employment, education or training, family need, the child’s age and migrant or seasonal agricultural work. CCCDS staff can review your family’s circumstances and explain the required documentation.

Are CCCDS child development programs free?

CCCDS receives federal and state funding to serve eligible families. Some families may receive services without charge, while others may be responsible for a family fee based on the applicable program and state requirements. CCCDS will explain any fees during the eligibility and enrollment process.

Where are CCCDS centers located?

CCCDS operates child development centers throughout Stanislaus and Merced Counties, including locations in Atwater, Ceres, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, Modesto, Newman, Patterson, Planada, Riverbank, Turlock and Westley. Visit the Find a Center page or call CCCDS at (209) 581-9000.

How do I apply for a CCCDS program?

Start by contacting CCCDS or the center nearest you. Staff will explain program availability, eligibility requirements and the documents needed to complete an application. Placement is based on program requirements, priorities and available openings.

Does CCCDS support children with disabilities or special needs?

Yes. CCCDS supports children with suspected or identified disabilities and works with families, school districts and community providers when appropriate. Services may include support for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). CCCDS strives to provide accessible and inclusive learning environments.