Fresno City College Child Development Center
Architect: 19six Architects
Contractor: Harris Construction, Inc.
Webcam: Live view of construction site
The Child Development program at Fresno City College offers an associate's degree and several certificate programs, in addition to transfer options. The program addresses the certificate, licensing and training requirements needed for a person to enter a number of occupations in early childhood education and child care. The job opportunities in the Fresno-Clovis area are very good and the demand for the program is high. The current facility consists of roughly 5,326 assignable square footage (ASF) of modular buildings. Based upon the program requirements and demand, a new facility to accommodate 24 infants, 36 toddlers, and 83 preschool children is proposed.
The new Child Development Center (CDC) at Fresno City College received approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) as a partially funded state project (80% State, 20% local) in July 2019 with authorization to proceed with the development of preliminary plans. The CCCCO approved the new construction of the new Child Development Center with 16,578 ASF contingent upon the removal of the existing 5,326 ASF CDC portables.
The new building will be a 22,000 square foot building and will house programs for early education, as well as childcare services. Program functions are unique and include a food program service featuring a commercial kitchen to serve a warm breakfast and lunch to children; observation rooms for community college students to observe teaching activities without disturbing the classes; a college classroom that is separate from the childcare spaces and faculty offices for childcare program teachers and faculty. All childcare, student observation spaces, and commercial kitchen functions occupy the first floor. The second floor features the college classrooms, faculty offices, break rooms, and meeting rooms.
As of Fall semester 2024, the Child Development Center has moved into the new building. The second phase of the project, which includes demolition of the old buildings, expansion of parking, and extension of the play yard, is expected to be completed in October. Ribbon cutting is scheduled for October 11, 2024 at 10AM.
