Founded in 1938, the Blind Children’s Center (BCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides FREE/subsidized high-quality early childhood education programs for children ages 18 months to 5 years-old (Head Start, Early Head Start, CA State Preschool). We also offer Home-based Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers from birth through 36 months and pregnant mothers. BCC has specific expertise in supporting very young children who are blind and visually impaired and those with multiple disabilities. Our small class sizes, experienced staff and specialists all lend to individualized instruction and support for each child in our program.
To find out more about our programs, click on the links below:
Our Early Head Start Home Visiting Program serves children from birth to three years old and pregnant women. Our Parent Educator makes weekly home visits, providing strategies to parents and caregivers and supporting the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Our Parent Educator has specific expertise in helping parents support the developmental needs of children who are blind or visually impaired, and those with other disabilities. Additionally, families are invited to regularly scheduled socializations with other infants and families to build community among other children and families, and alleviate isolation and caregiver fatigue. As a Head Start program, our program focuses on the whole child and family, including health, mental health and nutrition. To get more information about the program click here and a member of our team will follow up with you promptly, or click here to enroll your child today.
Children from 18 months to three years old are eligible for our center-based toddler program. Toddlers are placed in inclusive classrooms with children of ALL abilities and immersed in daily routines and activities that foster pre-literacy skills, healthy physical development and social skills. Emphasis is placed on learning through play in a nurturing environment. For children who are blind or visually impaired, specialized services include: individual classroom adaptations and supports, sensory development, feeding, and speech/language development. We offer adaptive outdoor play on two playgrounds across our idyllic one-acre campus, along with a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack. As a Head Start program, our services focus on the whole child and family, including health, mental health and nutrition. To find out more about the program click here and a member of our team will follow up with you promptly, or click here to enroll today.
Our preschool for children 3 – 5 years-old provides comprehensive early childhood education in an inclusive environment, with children of ALL abilities in each classroom. Our small class sizes encourage individualized learning experiences that promote social skills, emotional well-being, language and literacy skills, mathematics, and science concepts. For children who are blind or visually impaired, specialized services include: individual classroom adaptations and supports, sensory development, orientation & mobility (including cane travel), speech/language development, and pre-braille literacy. We offer adaptive outdoor play on two playgrounds across our idyllic one-acre campus, along with a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack. As a Head Start program, our services focus on the whole child and family, including health, mental health and nutrition. To find out more about the program click here and a member of our team will follow up with you, or click here to enroll today.
All parents, caregivers and families with children enrolled at the Center are offered program services to support family well-being and help families reach their goals. Parent groups, committees, and one-on-one supports help strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families in the learning and development of their child. For parents/caregivers of children with visual impairments and other disabilities, our bilingual family support team is prepared to provide specialized support including assistance with navigating a complex medical system. Through family support groups, ongoing one on one strategy sessions, and patient navigation at medical appointments, these key staff members provide a layer of support which is essential during the uncertain and challenging first few years of a child’s life. To reach our Family Services Team click here and we will follow up with you promptly, or click here to enroll your child today.