CHILD EDUCATIONAL CENTER
Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams; live the life you’ve imagined. - HENRY DAVID THOREAU
D
ear Friends,
The Child Educational Center is a dynamic early learning community looking forward in the direction of our dreams. Each year, our strength and vitality to realize our vision not only relies on our collective clarity and commitment to the CEC’s vision, mission and values, but also on the successes of the past years’. Each year, we marvel at the impact of many people’s cumulative acts of care, love, and support that make the CEC the magical place it is. It’s hard to believe that the CEC is nearing 40 years of service to children and families. As we look to ‘go forth boldly’ with our dreams and vision for the CEC, we understand that our 10-year vision (described in our current strategic plan) is made possible through everyone’s cumulative contributions, past, present, and future. Our strategic plan envisions vibrant programs and services into the bigger future, providing a legacy for many children and families to come, and a transformational impact on educators in the early childhood profession. We are grateful for the role that our entire community plays in supporting the CEC’s vision and mission, and also for the special contributions you make each and every day. This Annual Report for the 2015-16 program year focuses on these ‘gifts of the heart’ -- gifts that are vital to ensuring a future where the CEC can continue to help children and their families live the life they imagine as they boldly go forth in the direction of their dreams. We thank you, our generous donors, for helping to make these dreams a reality. In gratitude,
Elyssa Nelson Executive Director
Mary Baerg President, Board of Trustees, 2015-16
2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
THE CEC:
year in review
Children’s Programs The CEC’s Infant-Toddler and Preschool program continued to experience strong patterns of full enrollment across all age groups in 2015-16. More than 190 families were enrolled, ranging in age from 2 months to 5 years. Throughout the year, parent education continued to be a central part of the CEC’s program, with parent discussions, seminars and ongoing support provided by both our teachers and directors. CEC staff members across all children’s programs also received robust professional development support, with seminar topics such as anti-bias curricula and supporting children with special needs. The Cooperative Preschool at Caltech (Co-op) saw an enrollment boost when the program opened to the general community, while continuing to respond to the needs of Caltech’s postdoctoral, faculty, and graduate student communities. Now in its fourth year, the Co-op benefited from full enrollment for children 2 ½ - 5 years old, and for the first time, offered a limited summer program. The CEC’s School-Age Program at the three La Canada Unified School District sites broke enrollment records in 2015-16, with full enrollment at all elementary schools. The Oak Grove program installed a new climbing structure, and the Caltech program continued to serve children from Pasadena and South Pasadena schools. The Westridge and St. Bede’s programs both offered another year of afterschool fun and learning. Summer time meant fun and adventure for the hundreds of children enrolled in the CEC’s Summer Exploration Camp, which featured a myriad of great theme weeks, exciting activities, and adventurous field trips. Our first ‘Extended Summer Fun’ program at the end of the summer served incoming kindergarteners as well as elementary-aged children prior to their fall school start dates. The CEC’s Preschool Director, Ellen Veselack, co-authored qualitative research entitled ‘Playing with Nature: Supporting Preschoolers’ Creativity in Natural Outdoor
Classrooms,” that was published in the International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education (August, 2016). Based on research conducted both at the CEC and at Dimensions Education Program in Nebraska, the research detailed the correlation between children’s creativity and their natural surroundings.
Strategic Plan In January, the Board of Trustees formally approved the CEC’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, and soon thereafter, the Board and various ‘action groups’ began work on implementation of objectives for 5 main goals: Communications (Internal and External), Facility Needs, Program Enhancement and Extension, Financial Stability, and Succession Planning. A summary of the Strategic Plan, which includes the CEC’s 10-year vision, is available on our website at ceconline.org.
Consulting & Educational Services Our Consulting and Educational Services (C&ES) division continued to further the CEC’s mission by expanding Outdoor Classroom Project® (OCP) trainings, consulting with childcare centers across the state, and holding a successful annual conference in January. In addition, the CEC had a strong presence at the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC) conference with CEC educators presenting well-attended workshops on the many benefits and facets of the CEC philosophy as well as the outdoor classroom. At the Child Educational Center, we strive to provide a loving and caring environment where children and families can discover, learn, and experience the natural world around them. As an educational nonprofit focused on the healthy development, care, and education of young children, the CEC is dedicated to ensuring that children are celebrated and loved, their childhoods embraced, and that our mission of ‘fulfilling the promise of childhood’ will continue for future generations.
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CHILD EDUCATIONAL CENTER
OUR
financials
11% - Child Care Facilities $815,991
8% Child Care - Support $643,317
6% - Consulting & Educational Services $424,185
84% - Tuition $6,687,276
Child Educational Center Total Revenue Allocation of $7.9M 2015-2016
5% - In Kind Contributions $415,364 3% - Fundraising & Events $252,887 2% - Other Income (incl. Contract Services) $167,400
10% Administration $806,431 Child Educational Center Total Expense Allocation of $7.8M 2015-2016
62% - Child Care - Salaries 4,788,657
7% Consulting & Educational Services $536,813 2% - Fundraising Expense $190,112
REVENUES:
EXPENSES:
Our total revenues were $7,947,000. At 84% of this year’s total revenue, tuition remained the CEC’s primary source of revenue, with enrollment in all programs surpassing expectations. The Consulting and Educational Services division contributed 6% of revenue, while seeking additional funding to replace the expired Orfalea grant. The in-kind contributions from Caltech, JPL, and CEC parents contributed 5%. Fundraising and other income combined contributed 5%.
Total expenses were $7,781,000. Child care program salaries, at 62% of total expenses, continued to be the CEC’s largest expense due to high quality standards. Facilities and program support costs comprise another 19% in expenses. Administrative costs, at 10%, were driven by continually-rising costs of medical and workers compensation insurance rates, in addition to business planning expenses. In addition, since the Caltech in-kind contribution to cover workers compensation was reduced for the second year, the CEC covered $116,000 of these costs. The Consulting and Educational Services division’s expenses and fundraising expenses comprised 7% and 2% of total expenses, respectively.
A complete set of financial statements, audited by Green Hasson & Janks LLP in which an unqualified opinion was rendered, is available upon written request.
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2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited. - PLUTARCH
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CHILD EDUCATIONAL CENTER
leadership Board of Trustees
Mary Baerg, President Christopher Pisano, Vice President, Governance Karen Wirick, Vice President, Advancement Ray Morris, Secretary Laif Swanson, Treasurer
Members
Robert Barry Lisa Cain-Chang Vandana Desai, ex officio Elizabeth Gerber Daisy Ha Kira Johnson Lauren Kaye Ana Lee Elyssa Nelson Eric Nelson Melanie Sauer Janet Newton Sedhom Adam Steltzner Annie Wang
Recording Secretary Julie Townsend
Board Committee Service Sheryl MacPhee, Advancement Kevin Harmon, Audit Val Cain Pearson, Audit Mike Mithani, Consulting and Educational Services Ellen Veselack, Consulting and Educational Services Seta Matossian, Finance Gretchen Reed, Finance Helen Ruppel, Governance Shannon Walsh, Governance Ann Martin, Staff Relations Sharon Shin, Staff Relations Members of the CEC staff are printed in italics.
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Management Team
Lisa Cain-Chang, Program Director Sheryl MacPhee, Director of Development & Communications Seta Matossian, Controller Mike Mithani, Business Manager Elyssa Nelson, Executive Director Eric Nelson, Director of Consulting and Educational Services Helen Ruppel, Director of Administration
Program Directors
Lisa Cain-Chang, Program Director Allegra Inganni, School-Age Director Erinn Levin, Infant-Toddler Director Talar Tchoboian, Assistant SchoolAge Director Ellen Veselack, Preschool Director
Parent Council
The Parent Council conducts the activities of the Room Parents in addition to facilitating effective communication and cultivating meaningful community-building experiences for CEC families. Alba Abourjeili Sandra Bordi Sowmya Chandrasekar Toby Chou, Member At Large Vandana Desai, Co-Chair Josh Fisher Erin Gunn Andres Hernandez Jen Jenkins Anup Katake Martha Kirouac Gargi Kulkarni Joyce Kwon, Co-Chair Sarah Lundeen Robert Martinez Jennifer Maxwell Sarah Milkovich Patty Nessen Min Peng Umaa Rebbapragada Felix Seidel Caprez Trisha Steltzner Lisa Thelen
Annual Fund Committee
Abby Brammell Ella Cameron Ansook Chung Fordyce Vannessa Dodge Jay Gao Ozge Gencay Ustun Elizabeth Gerber, Co-Chair Hanna Lim Junjie Liu Maria Johnson Kriechbaum Peter Mao Vijay Natraj, Co-Chair Jessica Samuels Victoria Scarffe-Barrett Ivan Shin Ashley Smith Sarina Stogel Alison Taylor Julie Tilson Lori Williams Shanshan Yu
PARENT
PARTICIPATION
CEC parents devoted more than
5,000 HOURS
,
realizing our vision to enrich our community and fulfill our mission through the participation of each individual.
2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
gifts of service
A
t the Celebration of Community event, the CEC honors those individuals whose gifts of service enrich the lives of our children and families. Awards are given to members of our staff family who have reached milestone employment anniversaries. The CEC is grateful to its truly exceptional staff members who help ensure our mission of “fulfilling the promise of childhood.”
Anniversaries of Staff Service THIRTY-FIVE YEARS Lisa Cain-Chang THIRTY YEARS Denise Alvarado Linda Palkovic Sheri Whalen TWENTY YEARS Kimberly Ryan
FIFTEEN YEARS Loretta Choi Allegra Inganni Azi Lavasani Cristina Michel Corradina Ragusa Teresa Roldan Tiffanie Wong
TEN YEARS Christina Bogan Anne Butler Mike Mithani FIVE YEARS Garine Kiroian Jim Przybyla Juan Pablo Ruiz Janet Newton Sedhom Kwanisha Turner
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2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world. - MARIA MONTESSORI
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CHILD EDUCATIONAL CENTER
For children, play is as natural as breathing – and as necessary. - MIMI BRODSKY CHENFELD
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2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
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CHILD EDUCATIONAL CENTER
annual benefit and auction
“B
loom Bloom” was the colorful theme for this year’s Annual Benefit and Auction, held at the beautiful La Canada Flintridge home of alumni parents Jack and Pat Beauchamp. Conceived and designed by CEC parent and graphic designer Juliette Bellocq, Bloom Bloom exemplifies the idea that all children are vibrant, growing, and blooming, sharing beauty and light with those around them.
More than 100 current and alumni parents, staff, community members, and generous sponsors joined the festivities, marked by dinner by The Spot Gourmet, fine wine donated by Vinotera Wine, and the jazz stylings of the Chad Edwards Quartet. The evening culminated in the raffle drawings for the Paris Extravaganza trip and Apple electronics. The Benefit and Auction raised more than $55,000 in unrestricted funds to help benefit all CEC programs. Thank you to all who supported this worthwhile fundraiser with your auction donations, sponsorships, volunteering, bidding, and attendance!
Sponsors $2,500 The Kenyon Family & Jim Kenyon Arthur, Kathy, and Anthony Marganian
$1,500 Ashley Smith & Navigant Consulting CARE Fertility Families of the Flying Squirrel Group Andrea and Dan Jeffries
$1,000 Mary Baerg Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union Michele Downing, Founding Partner, Partners Trust Real Estate Families of the Appie Group
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Families of the Dolphin Group Families of the Koala Group The Kaye Family Valley Oaks Village Senior Apartments Juliette Bellocq/handbuilt studios
$500 Michael Berg and Bronwyn Pollock Sandra Chen Lau and James Lau Families of the Bunny Group Families of the Eagle Group Families of the Panda Group Families of the Sea Lion Group Green Hasson & Janks Daisy Ha and Sam Kim Sarina and Christopher Stogel Caroline Tran Photography Caitlin Bogert-Upton and Michael Upton Karen, Wally, and Teddy Wirick
$250 American Outdoor Advertising, Inc. Bob Smith Toyota Caltech Women’s Club The CEC Administrative Team
Donors marked with an asterisk (*) contributed through United Way. CEC Staff are italicized.
2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
Bloom Bloom Benefit Gala Committee: Co-chairs: Kathy Marganian and Patty Nessen Kristina Bell Annalise Kordell Erin M. McCullaugh Chuck Montgomery Michelle Wilby Group Sponsorship Liaisons: Erin M.McCullaugh (chair), Gabby Garcia, Tracey Calhoun, Chuck Montgomery, Jade Sealey, Jennifer Lee, Sowmya Chandrasekar, Catherine Kelly, Sarina Stogel, and Caroline Tran.
Families of the Unicorn Group Judy Kenyon Scott and Sheryl MacPhee The Montgomery Family Eric and Elyssa Nelson Chris and Jean Pisano Vince’s Auto Service
$100
Benefit Auction Committee: Paula Antoshechkin Audra Hindes Shelan Joseph Izabella Kelly Laura Liptak-Barboza Nichola Walker
Special thanks to Melinda and Steven Stogel for donating two weeks at their Paris apartment, and to Jack and Pat Beauchamp for donating their beautiful home for the “Bloom Bloom” benefit gala.
Lisa Cain-Chang and Marcus Chang Families of the Zebra Group IT-TC Inc. Erik and Kira Johnson Vicky Joseph Brent and Marion Kuszyk Jim and Cindy O’Dea Laif Swanson Ellen Veselack Nichola & Kevin Walker
Donations to the Annual Benefit John Barle and Ali Rahimi Sandra and John Bordi Virginia Dodge MinHee and Gene Kim Sandy and Anh Nguyen-Huynh
Special thanks to all Infant, Toddler and Preschool parents who contributed to the Group’s Sponsorship for the Bloom Bloom Benefit!
CHILD EDUCATIONAL CENTER Caltech/JPL Community 140 Foothill Boulevard La CaĂąada, California 91011
OUR
vision
The Child Educational Center is a caring educational community where: Children are valued, thrive, and reach their full potential as individuals and contributing members of society. The community and its members are enriched by the participation of each individual. There is a commitment to the realization of similar ideals throughout the world.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this Annual Report. If we have made an error or omission, please contact the Development Office so we may correct our records.