As of September 1, the new staff of the Child Development Center in Hacienda Business Park will be on site to meet parents and ready the Center for its September 10 grand opening.

Center director, Michael VanPelt says he was seeking individuals with "superior educational backgrounds combined with experience in teaching and supervision of staff," and he is pleased to announce that be has found them

Three of the coordinators who will be organizing and planning the Center's program were here recently to meet with VanPelt and to look around the Center and itS location in the 'business park. Jeanne Grab am is an eight year Pleasanton resident who has an extensive education and business background. She was a high school teacher, ran the Kindercare Pre-School in Pleasanton and is the new Infant Toddler Director for the Child Development Center.

Jeanne describes how, over the years, she watched the business park develop and has "dreamed about a facility like this for more than five years." Jeanne has three children of her own. As a teacher and a parent, she understands the value and importance of quality child care to parents, employers and children.

The area of infant and toddler care is especially important, because it is often a difficult decision for parents to leave babes in a child care center. She shares great enthusiasm with VanPelt and the other new coordinators for the important role the Center will play in the lives of the parents and children who use it.

Christina Jencks, one of three Curriculum Coordinators in the Center, was a kindergarten teacher for four years in Alaska. Before that she was Home Base Director for a Headstart Program in Connecticut. There, she was responsible for 1he full range of child development skills for children in the program. Chris has twin daughters.

During her last year in Alaska, Chris had worked with a team of teachers to revamp the curriculum. When she saw the ad for Curriculum Coordinator for the new child care center in a local paper in July, she was anxious to learn more about it.

Upon speaking to VanPelt, she was impressed with the innovative nature of the Center. She is ·excited about working on the curriculum program for the center and is looking forward to her responsibilities for the 50 children and six staffers she will supervise.

Shirley Graham was hired as one or three Curriculum Coordinators who will work in the pre-school modular units of 50 children and six adult staff. Shirley brings to her position ten years of public school teaching experience and eight years of experience running a private pre-school and day care center in Pleasant Hill. She has three children.

Shirley is especially pleased about the location of the Center and how accessible it will be for parents. "We hope to see a lot of interchange between the staff and parents," she said.

VanPelt echoed this observation. "We expect parents who want to, will become involved, although we see ouselves as secondary support."

Work continues on the Center and when finished, it promises to be one or the most attractive and complete child care facili1ies·in the country. The Grand Opening ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, September 10.

Tours for park employees are scheduled for Monday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday, September 17 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Any questions or inquiries may be directed to the Hacienda Owners Association, 463-9040.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: August 25,1986 Pathways.