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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.

                                                   

Summer Workshops at The Children's Center at Caltech

Inspired by Waldorf 

STEM can bring together diverse teaching perspectives. By embracing elements from the Waldorf approach, such as fostering a strong bond with nature, we empower our children to create a deeper connection with the world around them while still offering valuable experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Come and join us as we explore how you can draw inspiration from the Waldorf approach.

Saturday, June 24th, 2023 (9-12pm) Presenter: Susan Wood, Executive Director 
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Exploring Force and Motion Through Literacy

When we view literacy through the lens of STEM, opportunities emerge to engage children with their favorite stories in new and exciting ways. During this workshop, you will witness the exploration of Force and Motion by a group of 3-year-old children. Stories such as The Three Bears and The Little Engine That Could serve as catalysts for their investigation. As we delve into hands-on exploration, concepts like load, size, stability, weight, and friction seamlessly transition from the storybook realm into the classroom environment.

Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 (9-12pm)
Presenter: Amanda Lawson, Lead Teacher
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Water Investigations

Water plays a crucial role in our lives, shaping our daily experiences. Children are naturally attracted to it, engaging in play, gardening, and cooking with it. Discover how the children at The Children's Center at Caltech explore water and its transformative power in our world. Join us to discover inspiration and gather ideas that can be seamlessly integrated into any age group.

Saturday, August 26th, 2023 (9-12pm) Presenter: Melissa Samples, STEM Curriculum Coordinator 

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 ecstem@caltech.edu

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