In partnership with the City of Santa Ana, Parks, Recreation and Community Services agency, OCCTAC is currently providing an Early Childhood support program for very young Santa Ana children (6 months – 5 years), and their parents.  This Early Childhood Program is offered at the four Recreational Centers located within the Qualified Service Tract areas in the city of Santa Ana, including: Jerome Center, Garfield Recreation Center, Roosevelt-Walker Center and Salgado Recreation Center.  

 

The goals of OCCTAC’s Early Childhood (Early Start and Pre-Kinder Arts) programs are: (1) to educate very young children from Santa, and get them ready for school, (2) educate parents on what their children are learning, (3) prepare parents for kindergarten learning, (4) introduce young children and parents to the arts, (5) integrate children with and without disabilities when needed, and (5) prevent child abuse. 

 

OCCTAC’s Early Childhood program requires parents to participate hands-on in the program, such as: learning to play and read with their children, participate in arts activities with their children, and learn about their children’s developmental stages, and other important parenting topics. All families are encouraged to participate in the program as many days as possible to enhance their learning opportunities and educational outcomes later in life.