Mary Meta Lazarus Child Development Center
CSM’s onsite child development center celebrates 40 years of affordable, high‑quality care
Students and staffers with preschool children have a warm, enriching early care and education program thanks to a visionary gift from the Lazarus family honoring their daughter, Mary Meta Lazarus, a CSM re-entry alumna who believed access to high-quality, affordable childcare is a social right.
Since 1981, the Mary Meta Lazarus Child Development Center has enrolled preschoolers, ages 2 ½-5, in its hillside building on the northeast edge of campus. The program’s foundation is based on the idea that children learn in the context of their family, school, and community. Parent participants either receive financial assistance or pay a full fee depending on the family’s circumstances. Priority is given to low-income student families.
CSM’s average student age rose to 26 in 1974, and the male-female ratio neared parity. These demographic shifts prompted changes in college needs. Though childcare had long been seen as a personal issue, CSM women phrased it as one of gender equity. They organized, sued the college district under federal Title IX, and won at the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in 1978.
When Mary Meta Lazarus died that year, her family honored her memory with a $500,000 gift to build a campus child development center. It was important, then and now, that the center have access to nature for children to explore its wonders. The architecture includes natural elements such as redwood paneling and walls of large windows that convey an organic warmth. Deer, squirrels and salamanders pass through the grounds, to children’s delight. The Lazaruses also established a fund to support the center. Other donations, grants and state funds for low-income students also provide revenue.
Families are encouraged to drop in and spend time in their children’s classrooms any time during the school day. When parents are involved in their child’s education, the likelihood of future academic success increases. Parenting workshops and other family events promote family engagement and build community.
Faculty Coordinator Maggie Barrientos and six teachers, all with college degrees, provide not only care but a rich learning environment that prepares children for success. Skilled in both theory and practice, the teachers quickly pivot their project-based curriculum in line with children’s interests. For example, Barrientos said, “when cranes and construction are on campus, you’ll see that expressed in the building-block area.” Teachers respond by introducing trucks and cranes into the curriculum, including literacy, math, and science skills involving construction.”
To promote nutrition and physical fitness, Sequoia Healthcare District’s Healthy Schools Initiative funds Healthy Eats, Active Feet, a program that provides balanced meals, including produce from classroom gardens, a comprehensive motor education program and training for staff.
Students from Skyline’s and Cañada College’s early childhood education programs complete their required practicum at the center. These future teachers benefit from experiencing high-quality care and education early in their careers.
CSM programs that enrich the preschool experience include dental assisting, which gives talks on hygiene and feeling comfortable at the dentist’s office; psychology; ethnic studies; and CSM’s yoga teacher training program, whose students teach basic poses to the kids.
“It was my honor to serve student families,” said Louise Piper, who led the Child Development Center for 30 years until her retirement in 2017. “I relied heavily on their wisdom and insights as we partnered to build community and create a sense of belonging for children, families and staff alike. I also had the privilege of working with a gifted group of teachers who have a genuine commitment to fully engaging with the hearts and minds of the children and families they serve.”
