Professional Development Division Workshops
Professional Development Division
Since 1972, The Children's Center at Caltech (CCC) has been offering high quality child care and education for children ages six month to six years. In 2000, our research lead us to adopt STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curricula as a focus of our early childhood program. As leaders in STEM Early Childhood education, we launched ECSTEM in 2011, and host an annual conference bringing together educators, policy makers, researchers and other vested community stakeholders to address the needs of our youngest citizens.
Due to the overwhelming demand for tours of our facilities, and requests for professional growth workshops, we have formed a Professional Development Division (PDD) that arranges tours, on-site visits and workshops at the CCC.
Workshops at The Children's Center at Caltech
Look Closer! Observe, Draw, and Discover
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 (9-12pm)
Presenter: Melissa Samples, STEM Curriculum Coordinator
Young children naturally observe the world with curiosity, but they benefit from guidance in learning how to look closely and with purpose. This workshop explores ways to help children record their observations and how these practices support creativity, attention, fine-motor development, and early scientific thinking. When we slow down, we give children the time they need to truly see the world around them.
Musical Pathways to STEM
Saturday, July 25th, 2026 (9-12pm)
Presenter: Dayita Datta, Music Specialist
This workshop will awaken, develop, and refine innate musicality through STEM based music and movement activities. The session will encourage a strong foundation for future development of language, social-emotional, and motor skills for young children by introducing ear-training, singing games, solfege, finger plays, song-tales, echo songs, folk dance, percussion instruments and more.
Art Through the Lens of STEM
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 (9-12pm)
Presenter: Olivia Garcia, Associate Director
Join us as we explore how STEM experiences seamlessly integrate creativity, imagination, and artistic expression into meaningful learning opportunities for young children. Participants will discover how art enhances problem-solving, design thinking, observation, and innovation within STEM learning. Come away with a new perspective on STEM and find out how we can still have the art without the "A" in STEM!
Register: Professional Development | Children's Center at Caltech
If interested in an Educator Tour of The Children's Center at Caltech, please call the office at 626.395.6860 to schedule your visit, then please fill out the educator tour form and mail to us at the address below.
For questions regarding Educator Tours or the PDD Workshop Series, please call 626.395.6860 or email [email protected]
Please complete the registration form and mail along with payment to: The Children's Center at Caltech, 1200 E. California Blvd. MC 1-133, Pasadena, CA 91125; Attention: PDD