The Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) was awarded
$913,019 from the California Department of Social Services, Child Care Division through their California General Child Care Grant (CCTR). The California General Child Care Grant is part of a larger effort by the state to increase access to affordable childcare and early childhood education for low-income families. The grant program provides funding for eligible childcare providers to expand their facilities and services, as well as improve the quality of care they provide.
The grant will enable RSCCD to expand the capacity of its Child Development Centers/Lab Schools by 40 infants and toddlers, thus addressing the gap in childcare support in Orange County. According to the most recent Child Care Landscape Analysis report, "even if only 1⁄3 of infants and toddlers in Orange County required childcare, there would still only be enough licensed capacity for 1 in 7 children." The grant is part of a larger initiative to support California families and provide them the opportunities to succeed through a supportive and nurturing environment.
Serving the Rancho Santiago Community College District for over 50 years, the Child Development Centers at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College provide hands-on practical experiences to college students while also offering quality early care and education to children and their families. With this new grant, RSCCD will expand its capacity to serve more children and families and provide additional resources, such as updated technology and educational resources. The new funding will also increase practicum opportunities and support for college students on the Child Development Educators pathway.
"We're thrilled to have received this grant, which will allow us to better serve our community by expanding our facilities and resources," said Marvin Martinez, Chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. "We believe that access to quality childcare and early childhood education is essential for the success of our students, their families, and our community as a whole."
The Rancho Santiago Community College District's Child Development Centers/Lab Schools are currently accepting applications for enrollment. Seats are limited. For more information about RSCCD's Child Development Services Department and its programs, please visit the Child Development website or contact them directly at 714-480-7507
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About Rancho Santiago Community College District
Rancho Santiago Community College District is home to one of the state's oldest community colleges,
Santa Ana College, and one of its newest,
Santiago Canyon College. Centered in a growing and dynamic area, the district serves more than 571,000 residents in Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and Tustin.
The district maintains eight facilities, encompassing 24 percent of Orange County's total area (193 square miles). In addition to Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College, these include the Centennial and Orange Continuing Education Centers, the Digital Media Center, the Orange County Regional Fire Training Center, the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, the College and Workforce Preparation, Remington Adult Education Center and the District Operations Center.
