About ACC

Quality Child Care

Serving over 60 children from 2 months through pre-kindergarten, ACC is highly regarded among families, educators and community leaders for exemplary care. Nestled just north of Pasadena in the quiet community of Altadena, ACC has been providing high quality child care and early childhood education since 1982.
The ACC experience combines a home-like atmosphere with an experienced team of professionals and a curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of each child and family. Every day is carefully planned to bring an enriching variety of experiences to support the intellectual, emotional and physical growth of the children.
Read more about our program.

Staff

Led by Director Shonna Clark ACC’s teachers are college educated in early childhood education with practical, hands on experience in the classroom and are credentialed with a Child Development Permit issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This requires ongoing professional development and a credential renewal every five years. Each classroom is also staffed by one or more associate teachers with ratios of 1:4 for 0 to 1-year-olds, 1:5 for 2-year-olds, 1:8 for 3-year=olds, and 1:12 for PreKindergarten children. Staff are carefully selected for their sensitivity to the needs of children and families, and they continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge through on-going professional development. All staff are certified in first aid and CPR and are trained to deal with other security issues. Read more about our staff.

Family Partnership

ACC cultivates a strong partnership with families through effective communication and opportunities for involvement. Teachers provide a daily report about each child, and they are always available to answer parents’ questions. In addition, they provide formal assessments of growth and development twice a year to which parents contribute. To further strengthen the partnership between home and school, we regularly provide events that bring families together in friendships that often continue long after children move on to elementary school. Read more about this partnership.

Community Partnerships

ACC is supported by many community partners including the Altadena Baptist Church and the Pasadena Community Foundation. Our individual donors include former and current families, as well as many other community members that value the important role quality child care plays in a healthy community. Read more about our Network of Support.

Facilities

The center has adapted two former homes and adjacent buildings to provide a warm, safe and comfortable environment for young children. They provide an ideal transitional environment from home to school. Each age group has a dedicated room with age appropriate instructional materials and toys. Classrooms are kept at a comfortable temperature through central air and heating. In addition, the center has several outdoor play yards equipped with play structures that invite children to develop their physical abilities in a child-friendly environment. Read more about our facilities.