It is the philosophy of this school that a child's positive sense of self and trust in the environment and the people in it is essential for the child's maximum progress.  Children deserve the opportunity to interact and learn in a school environment which is emotionally safe and provides them with opportunities to explore and test themselves with
teachers who value them as worthwhile and competent individuals.  Children with special needs deserve trained teachers who understand their individual dynamics and have specialized knowledge to help them realize their fullest potential.

The psychosocial philosophy is based on the concepts of the developmental theorists such as Piaget, Erikson, Maslow, Moustakas and Carl Rogers.  The educational philosophy is drawn from researchers as Poulsen, Kephart, Debnoff,
Bender, Schilder and Clara Lee Edgar, who originally helped to found the school.  The curriculum also reflects a strong belief that the arts, music, dance and drama provide opportunities for personal expression, creative healing and enhancement of self-esteem not provided by other disciplines.

The staff believes that the special needs of a child represent a challenge for educators to find new avenues for learning that will be unique to that child.  Further, each child has distinctive resources for growth, including an unshared
developmental history, temperament, personality, learning style and sense of self.  In addition, each  child's family has a cultural, social, and family history as well as parenting style, which is to be honored and valued.

Early Intervention - In all of the classrooms for children 0-3 years, CDC provides an Early Intervention component for children with identified developmental delays and who are funded by Regional Center.   Read more...

Parenting & Life Skills Classes - Weekly parenting classes are provided at the school.  The parenting topics include   Read more..

Child Nutrition - All the children who attend CDC are eligible for a nutritious breakfast, lunch & afternoon snack subsidized by the "Child Nutrition Program" from the
California Department of Education regardless of income.  Read more...