McDowell Campus
In 2006, North Bay Children’s Center expanded its Marin County child care into Sonoma County at two school sites in Petaluma; McDowell Elementary and Cherry Valley Elementary. McDowell provides both half day and full day preschool for children ages 3-5 and before and after school care for children ages 5-7. North Bay Children’s Center at McDowell Elementary is primarily funded by the California State Department of Education and the Child Development Division. This state funding provides subsidized child care for eligible families.
NBCC’s school readiness and school connections opportunities are offered on site to McDowell Elementary children and families. NBCC staff has a close relationship with the Principal, Kindergarten teachers, 1st and 2nd grade teachers, administrative staff and counselors that offers a seamless transition into Kindergarten and future childhood education opportunities.
NBCC expanded its Novato campuses Garden of Eatin’ programs to include the McDowell site. Through the McDowell Garden of Eatin’ program our children experience first hand the connection between how food grows, how it is harvested and how the children can bring it to the table.
Of the McDowell Elementary student population, seventy three percent are English language learners. Bilingual language development/English language learners are supported by NBCC staff in the following ways: 1) in the classroom through encouragement to use the home language while nurturing the acquisition of English, 2) staff encouragement of the children’s parents to be actively involved in their child’s education both at home and in the classroom, 3) staff understanding of the importance to incorporate cultural differences into language use within the daily schedule and 4) that the students culture and languages are reflected within the classroom.
Parent involvement in the NBCC program is vital. Ongoing, open communication enables staff to work together with parents to ensure a smooth transition into the program and remain connected throughout the child’s NBCC experience. Parents have opportunities to participate in the classroom throughout the year. The classrooms hold family potlucks each semester as well as parent education and support classes quarterly.
“The kindergarten staff and I were so excited to find kindergarten students who were "ready" to learn starting on the first day of school. We were thrilled to have students that, because of their preschool experience, were not only ready, but who have already learned many kindergarten skills such as letter and number recognition, sounds, and beginning reading and writing concepts. Having two academically focused preschools sharing our campus has significantly benefited McDowell School.” Maureen Rudder, Principal, McDowell Elementary School, Petaluma
McDowell Elementary School
“The strength of McDowell lies squarely with its people – the families, staff and surrounding community. McDowell’s people are a rich combination of experience and freshness with the staffs love and commitment to the hearts and minds of its students. McDowell Elementary School educates 340 students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. State adopted materials in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies ensure that every student is receiving standards-based curriculum utilizing research tested instructional strategies.”
For more information on McDowell Elementary school site, please click on www.petalumacityschools.org or www.mcdowellelementary.org.
