BCC Newsroom

Every child deserves the opportunity and tools to thrive, regardless of background, income or life circumstances. With up to 80% of what we learn acquired visually, this is especially true for children with severe vision loss or other disabilities. For families across Los Angeles County, particularly those raising a child facing blindness, accessing early learning programs is essential to building lasting pathways to academic success.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) bridges the opportunity gap through its Head Start and Early Learning Programs, which serve more than 7,000 children from birth to age 5. As one of 16 LACOE partner agencies, the Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is a vital resource for children with vision loss and other disabilities.

“At BCC, we serve all children — some with vision loss and other disabilities, and some with no disabilities at all — together in the same inclusive classrooms. That’s the uniqueness of our school. Every child learns and plays alongside peers of all abilities, building empathy, confidence, language and social skills,” said Program Director Bianca Ciebrant. “For children with vision loss, this early exposure to inclusion and high-quality learning experiences is especially important, and sends an important message that they belong, to themselves and society.”

Early education helps children establish strong cognitive, social-emotional and physical foundations that support lifelong learning. According to First 5 California, more than 10% of California children under five years of age have a disability or special need that may affect their ability to play and learn. By addressing developmental delays early, schools such as BCC help children catch up with their peers, decreasing the need for intensive special education services later in their academic careers, according to EIEI.

Research consistently confirms the long-term value of early learning. Children who participate in birth-to-five programs are 39% more likely to complete college and 23% less likely to live in poverty. Head Start graduates are healthier, more likely to graduate high school and better prepared to enter the workforce.

Expanding on this vision, BCC provides comprehensive care for the whole family, with early intervention services for infants, toddlers, parents and even pregnant mothers, emphasizing the role of caregivers in shaping a child’s development, learning and school readiness.

“BCC isn’t just a preschool, it is a support system that is here for every step of the child’s journey,” said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “Parents of children with disabilities and complex needs face significantly greater caregiving demands, as their children often require more intensive supervision and require more health-care related support.”

BCC offers specialized toddler and preschool programs that help both sighted and visually impaired students build skills in literacy preparedness, mobility training, sensory development, speech therapy and early math education. Together, these programs form a structured early childhood pathway, offering care and guidance as families navigate their child’s first years.

“He loved his time at BCC, from his teachers to his new friends. Despite being completely blind, Oscar was just like a typical child growing alongside his sighted peers in the inclusive program,” said Meredith Kao, speaking about her son, who is a recent alumnus. “It gave us hope to know that he will do fine in public school and beyond.”

With continued support and investment, these early learning programs can help create a future where all children have the opportunity to succeed. To learn more about LACOE’s Head Start program, visit PreKKid.org. For more information about early childhood education at BCC, visit BlindChildrensCenter.org.

As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is expanding access to mental health resources for its staff, students and families. From counseling services to community support programs, BCC is committed to creating an environment of emotional wellness where both caregivers and educators can prioritize self-care.

To support the well-being of its employees and their families, BCC partners with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to provide access to the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE). This resource offers assessments, counseling and general mental health services such as workshops, events and helpful tools, encouraging participants to focus on their personal well-being.

“For educators, this kind of support is essential — not only for their own health, but also for the students who rely on their empathy, attention and presence,” said BCC Program Director Bianca Ciebrant. “By promoting access to EASE, BCC empowers staff to bring greater compassion, connection and problem-solving into the classroom.”

These resources are just as valuable for parents and caregivers, who often juggle the demands of daily life while supporting their children. Self-care, which ultimately benefits the entire family, may be listening to a podcast, reading a book, going for a walk, getting more rest or simply taking a mindful moment. BCC encourages parents to find routines and activities that help them recharge and stay resilient.

“At Blind Children’s Center, we believe that caring for those who care for others, both in the classroom and at home, is fundamental to our mission,” said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “By supporting the well-being of our educators and families, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient community.”

BCC offers families services designed to promote mental health and support long-term goals. Parent groups, committees and one-on-one sessions help build connections and offer insight into child development. BCC’s bilingual family support team helps families navigate the medical system and other complex challenges. Key staff remain involved during the critical early years of a child’s life to ensure that every family receives the emotional, physical and practical support they need.

For more information about mental health and family resources at BCC, visit blindchildrenscenter.org/Our-Family-Services/.

During preparations for its recent Spring Celebration, Blind Children’s Center (BCC) celebrated adaptive recreational activities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Traditional egg hunts, which typically rely on sight to locate brightly colored eggs hidden in grass, can be inaccessible. By adding a simple circuit, battery and beeper to each egg, BCC transforms this timeless activity into an inclusive experience. During the Center’s spring-themed event, children use their hearing and touch to locate and collect beeping eggs scattered throughout the area.

“Our beeping egg hunt is a cherished tradition that not only brings joy but also fosters independence and confidence in children with blindness or visual impairments,” said Disabilities Services Coordinator Brenda Perla. “It is important for children to engage in popular activities that are both fun and accessible.”

Charlie Fairbanks, a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America (Pioneers), is credited with inventing the beeping baseball — a regulation 16-inch softball equipped with a rechargeable beeping device — in 1964. That innovation marked the beginning of baseball for visually impaired and blind athletes through the National Beep Baseball Association, a Pioneers project partner. The development of beeping baseballs eventually led the Pioneers to develop and manufacture beeping eggs for visually impaired children. 

Beeping Egg Hunts grew in popularity in 2005, when U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) agent David Hyche sought to include his blind daughter in their church egg hunt. With guidance from BCC, he worked with bomb technicians and ATF-certified explosive specialists to construct eggs with an electronic circuit and beeper and hosted a beeping egg hunt in Birmingham, Ala., for 11 children with blindness or visual impairments. Parents were extremely impressed by the innovation and even requested to take the eggs home to use as an educational tool. It was clear that this engaging activity taught independence, mobility and spatial skills.

In 2009, Pioneers provided beeping eggs for the annual White House Easter egg hunt.

Similar efforts by the SoCal Beep Baseball Association (SCBBA) across Southern California are expanding opportunities for blind and visually impaired athletes. Through the use of beeping balls and buzzing bases, SCBBA allows players to enjoy the traditional American pastime while developing perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship. Innovating in adaptive sports, SCBBA’s West Coast Echo is California’s first all-women’s beep baseball team. This team empowers women with blindness and visual impairments, providing a safe space where they can run, jump and slide with confidence. Since its founding in 2018, SCBBA has grown to support three regional teams: the San Gabriel Valley Panthers, the West Coast Echo and the Temecula Vipers.

Accessible activities like these do more than provide recreation — they equip individuals who are blind and visually impaired with the essential skills and the confidence to navigate the world independently. Through continued adaptations of traditional games and activities, organizations like BCC and SCBBA are ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

“Programs like beep baseball and the beeping egg hunt show that with the right adaptations, people who are blind and visually impaired can participate in recreational activities,” said Adaptive Services Specialist Rosalinda Mendiola. “These opportunities are crucial in building community and helping individuals develop important life skills.”

To learn more about resources for those who are blind or visually impaired, please visit blindchildrenscenter.org/helpful-links.

For more than 85 years, the Blind Children’s Center (BCC) has been a beacon of hope and innovation, providing children with visual impairments the tools to navigate the world with confidence and independence. What started in 1938 as a bold initiative by Delta Gamma Fraternity has grown into a nationally recognized institution, shaping the lives of countless families. Now, BCC has made history once again as its nomination for the National Register of Historic Places has been approved at the State level, a milestone that not only honors its legacy but also preserves its mission for years to come. Once approved at the federal level by the National Park Service, BCC will be offered preservation opportunities, federal project involvement and eligibility for state tax benefits and grants.

From the very beginning, BCC has been about more than education — it has been about opening doors and expanding possibilities. Delta Gamma Fraternity members, driven by a passion to serve, first established the school as a safe and nurturing environment for children with visual impairments, marking a pivotal moment in both education and women’s history and solidifying BCC as a key resource for families seeking specialized support.

As BCC grew, it needed a space that reflected its bold vision. In 1949, renowned architect Paul R. Williams took on the challenge of designing a school that would be not only functional, but also inspirational. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend elegance with purpose, Williams worked closely with educators and specialists to create a space uniquely tailored to the needs of blind children.

Today, BCC continues to carry this legacy forward. The Center has officially received one of L.A. Conservancy’s 2025 Preservation Awards, which recognizes outstanding achievements in historic preservation throughout Los Angeles County. This recognition reflects not just BCC’s storied past but also its continued commitment to serving families.

“Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and receiving this award from the L.A. Conservancy honors the generations of educators, families and supporters who have shaped BCC into what it is today,” said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “These recognitions also highlight the importance of preserving the history and spaces that have been integral to our communities, allowing their legacy to inspire future generations.”

From its pioneering founding in 1938 to its architectural innovation under Paul R. Williams and its continued leadership in education today, the Blind Children’s Center is more than just a school, it is a testament to progress and the power of vision. To learn more about the BCC’s legacy, visit blindchildrenscenter.org/who-weare. To view the nomination presentation, see the recording of the California Historical Resources Commission meeting.

To qualify for the National Register of Historic Places, a property must be historically significant, retain its original appearance and be connected to key events. After nomination, the California State Historic Preservation Office reviews it for at least 90 days. If approved, it’s sent to the National Park Service for a final decision. Learn more at National Register How to List a Property.