SAN JOSE, CA – On December 15, 2023, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) celebrated the kick-off of creating a new early learning center at its Ridder Park office. Completion of the center is anticipated for the fall of 2024.
“Building upon the benefits of preschool, this center intends to increase access to inclusive early learning and care programs for children with disabilities,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “Knowing that we are going to be able to provide high quality, affordable, and accessible early education and care is truly something to celebrate.”
The SCCOE was awarded an Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program (IEEEP) grant, which allows the creation of inclusive and equitable early learning environments for children ages birth to five with disabilities. The SCCOE’s Ridder Park office is the fifth site to utilize grant funds, with three sites located in South County and another in San Jose. The first IEEEP site broke ground last spring.
“We know that successful school habits are established during the early learning years,” Santa Clara County Board of Education President Victoria Chon. “ Investments in early learning and care have a lifelong impact.”
###
About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
