The College of the Desert recently celebrated the grand opening of its Child Development Center at its downtown Indio campus. The new facility, which spans approximately 18,000 square feet, will provide childcare services and also serve as a training ground for aspiring early childhood educators.
In a January 31 post, the City of Indio expressed its excitement over the expansion. "Congratulations to the @CollegeofDesert for celebrating the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Indio Child Development Center. We are thrilled to see the expansion of their campus in Downtown Indio!" they said.
According to a Facebook post by the College of the Desert, they held the ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 23. This was followed by a Family Night event.
As per information available on their website, the Child Development Center covers an area of 18,000 square feet, with about 7,000 square feet dedicated to play yard space that includes shade structures. The facility comprises toddler and preschool classrooms along with support spaces. Additionally, it houses an adult early childhood education classroom and observation areas.
A press release from College of the Desert dated 2022 reveals that this $22.1 million Child Development Center is part of a larger project aimed at expanding their Indio campus and doubling enrollment numbers. The project also encompasses constructing a three-story building spread across 67,000 square feet that will include classrooms, a café, offices, science labs, a student success services center, open study and collaboration areas and a pavilion connecting to the original campus building. Expected to be fully operational by this spring, this building will accommodate an additional 5,000 students.