The mission of the Child Development Institute, (CDI) is to help all children reach their full potential by supporting the relationships and environments that shape early development.
For more than fifteen years, (CDI) has served as a vital resource for children and their families. Research shows that early experiences play a crucial role in children's healthy growth and development. CDI focuses on the development of the whole child, his or her early relationships, environments and communities. Using a family-centered approach, CDI helps parents take an active role in their child's development. Early identification of issues and challenges, and effective intervention for children with developmental differences and needs, is critical during their early years. CDI serves as the bridge between research and therapy and provides support and education for families and communities to advocate for their children. |
What's New................
Revitalized Historic Landmark to Trade in Books for Interactive Play
Child Development Institute Receives Keck Foundation & Windsong Trust Grant to Transform Former Canoga Park Library into Early Learning Center
 Plans are underway for CDI to renovate the 6500 square foot, old Canoga Park Library, located at 7260 Owensmouth Avenue. CDI's New Early Learning Center, "Together We Grow" opens January 2011.
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"Decades of research show us how dangerous it is if a child's development is not prioritized. CDI seeks to ensure every child comes into a world where they are supported by an environment fully-engaged and prepared to address their needs," said Joan Maltese, Ph.D., Executive Director of CDI. "Parents need to be given the opportunities to discover and learn about what their child's cues are."
The recent award of a $250,000 matching grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation along with a $250,000 grant from Windsong Trust and a contribution from CRA/LA to cover the costs of infrastructural upgrades positions the organization to move forward with construction planned for summer 2010. With a focus on providing a fully inclusive environment, this new center integrates recent research findings showing the importance of including the following elements: services provided in natural environments where children play and learn, activities embedded into everyday routines, integrated parents and caregivers, and including all children - both typically developing children and those with special needs.
"Currently, the way intervention services works is we wait for a child to fail, we pull them out of mainstream, put them in special clinics isolating and segregating them and then we expect them to adapt when they are placed back into mainstream," continued Maltese. "Our goal is to support and intervene early on with children and their families so we aren't waiting until a child shows multiple symptoms of developmental delays. This new model encourages parents to be highly involved with their children at the center. We will observe children in the context of their life and work with their parents to identify any concerns while keeping them with other typically developing children."
This effort meets a significant need: many children in the neighborhoods surrounding the Early Learning Center are at high risk for developmental delay/challenges, and thus poor life outcomes. As approximately 1,000 young children and their families explore their world at the center annually - in the Children's Play and Learn Stations, Head Start Center, state-of-the-art playground and more - they will be supported by CDI's staff and team of developmental specialists in a non-stigmatizing, culturally congruent environment. Staff will identify risk factors, conduct assessments, counsel and educate parents, and provide intensive intervention as needed, to ensure the best of life outcomes for local children.
"Parents are the best advocates for their children. We are dedicated to empowering them by providing information and resources they need to take responsibility for their children's development."
The projected results? Immediate results will prove in parents and caregivers having a place to come to get their needs met for their kids - when resources are dwindling on a local and national level. The long-term expectation is to see a turnaround in early literacy, reduction in special education enrollment, decrease in juvenile delinquency, less teen pregnancy, and an impact on the community at large. The center is scheduled to open in January 2011.
"The future of CDI is not about a technique or a process - it is a movement about getting the parents and individuals in a child's life to understand how important it is to promote healthy development," continued Maltese.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Joan Maltese, Ph.D., please contact Regan Gausselin at 818-888-4559 or rgausselin@childdevelopmentinstitute.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
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