When we went to the Early Learning Center, it was wonderful to see Sophia being social, little by little with the other kids and adults. ELC was more like a transition between being home all the time and going to school. It was perfect for us and was a great help for all of us. Sofia really liked Ms. Jamie and that helped her build trust for other adults. Ms. Jamie gave us some tools for our parenting. Before going to the ELC, I would play with her, but it was in a different way. I learned the importance of being present and to focus on her and to not be on my phone. ELC provides a a safe place, fun place for parents to be with their children and learn alongside them.” Tomas E., CDI Early Learning Center Parent
CDI STRENGTHENS FAMILIES... Research shows that children are most successful when their parents are well supported, informed and connected. At CDI, we strengthen families by coming alongside and helping them develop necessary foundations to fully thrive. We champion families as the most important providers of loving, caring relationships and the best creators of safe, nurturing environments that support healthy development.
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STRENGTHENING FAMILIES STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
CDI’s Early Learning Center has been very important for Sofia and our family. Our experience there has helped Sofia and us as parents.
Our Play-Based Learning and Prevention Services focus on strengthening families and strengthening communities.
PLAY-BASED LEARNING & PREVENTION SERVICES
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A strong, healthy community views children as the future and invests in their healthy development. At CDI, we strengthen communities by inviting collaboration with nonprofits, businesses, institutes for higher education and citizens to create a collective community effort. Together with our partners, we are paving the way for a more connected, intentional and nurturing community. CDI is actively involved in the local community, participates in public policy committees and advises groups on best practices for the care and wellbeing of infants and young children. We stay current with legislative issues related to young children and raise community awareness that impacts the care and services for children.
ADVOCACY
CDI’s Early Learning Center (ELC): 7260 Owensmouth Avenue Canoga Park, CA 91303 (818) 712-0453
CDI’s Main Office: 6340 Variel Avenue, Suite A Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818) 888-4559
STAY CONNECTED:
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Saturday
www.cdikids.org
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PLAY-BASED LEARNING & PREVENTION SERVICES Expanding on our mission and focus on strengthening families, CDI strengthens families and promotes healthy development through CDI’s Early Learning Center (ELC).
What is CDI’s Early Learning Center?
CDI’s ELC is a free, play and learning space, open to all children ages 0-6 and their families.
Why is play important for young children?
Play is the work of children. Play gives children an opportunity to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact with the world around them. Play is vital to healthy brain development.
Serving over 7,000 children and their families annually,
the ELC offers families a safe, nurturing environment with age-appropriate play and learn activities that parents can take home, along with free developmental screenings and engaging parenting workshops. A leading expert for over 22 years in Early Childhood Development, CDI serves as a community resource to guide, support and empower families as they navigate their child’s development.
Programs & Classes:
Facilitated by credentialed teachers ELC classes include: Mighty Motor Skills, Discovery Zone, Storytime, Healthy and Fit Together, Garden Club, C.A.L.M. Baby, Sensory Program, Tranquil Tuesdays, Fun in the Sun, Splashin’ Fridays, Greator Creators, Sing Along Saturdays, Music and Movement, Reading is Fun, Developmental Milestones, Managing Stress/Relaxation Techniques, Managing Challenging Behaviors, Promoting Speech Development, Supporting a Smooth Transition to Kindergarten and much more!
Free Developmental Screenings:
To further empower families with information and assistance, ELC provides free developmental screenings for children every month. If a child displays developmental red flags, we provide a continuum of care by linking families to community resources and following up with families to ensure they get the support their child needs.
Community Partners:
At the heart of what we do, we are building relationships at every level in the community. Officially partnered with California State University Northridge, Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing and the Neighborhood Partners in Action, Child Care Resource Center and Providence Tarzana Medical Center, we have a group of caring interns, volunteers and professionals committed to collaborating to build stronger and healthier communities.
Come play, learn and grow with us today at CDI’s Early Learning Center!
Jamie Olivas
ELC Program Coordinator
Jamie holds a B.A. from UCLA in English Literature and a M.A. from Ryokan College in Counseling Psychology. Jamie’s passion for early education led her to the Child Development Institute where she currently oversees all service learning students and programming, as well as the Developmental Screening and Certificate Program. The ELC is a free, safe, welcoming community space where families can bring children of all abilities to play and learn together. Families can participate in programs that support their child’s overall development and wellbeing by participating in hands-on, engaging experiences that inspire curiosity and exploration. Our committed staff and volunteers help families access critical community resources and referrals, as needed, and in turn, families are empowered with the skills and knowledge to best care for their children. At the ELC we are growing stronger, healthier families!”
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EARLY LEARNING CENTER
A leading expert for over 22 years in Early Childhood Development partnered with the number one expert on your child...YOU!
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At Child Development Institute (CDI) our mission is to help all children reach their full potential by supporting the relationships and environments that shape early development.
find a fun, free, safe place where you and your child can play, learn and grow together.
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STRENGTHENING FAMILIES STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
We understand how hard it can be to
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