Child Development Centers
McCarthy Family Child Development and Training Center
The College of the Desert Child Development and Training Center, located on the Palm Desert campus and also known on-site as the McCarthy Family Child Development and Training Center, is a nationally recognized, early childhood program serving children ages 12 months to 5 years.
The Center proudly holds accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the gold standard in early childhood education, and has earned Tier 5 recognition through the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), the highest level of quality recognition available. These distinctions reflect the program’s commitment to excellence in teaching practices, learning environments, family engagement, and continuous program improvement.
As a model lab and demonstration school for the College of the Desert Child Development and Education (CDE) Department and related disciplines, the Center also plays an important role in preparing future educators. College students engage in structured observations, hands-on training, and supervised student teaching experiences within the classrooms, gaining real-world experience in a high-quality early learning environment.
The program emphasizes developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, create, and discover. Classrooms are intentionally designed to provide both challenge and support while fostering curiosity, independence, and social-emotional growth. Highly qualified teachers build responsive relationships with children and families, creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
The Center serves College of the Desert students, faculty, staff, and families throughout the surrounding community. Priority enrollment is given to children of COD students, though all families are encouraged to apply. Tuition assistance may be available, and fees are determined based on program eligibility and funding requirements.
Licensed Program Information
College of the Desert Child Development and Training Center
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 862-1308
Community Care Licensing: LIC# 330910556 & LIC# 330910557
For additional information or to inquire about enrollment, please contact the Center directly.
Indio Child Development and Training Center
The College of the Desert Indio Child Development and Training Center, located on the Indio campus, is a high-quality early childhood program serving children ages 2 to 5 years. The Center proudly holds a Tier 5 rating through the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), the highest level of quality recognition available, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence in teaching practices, learning environments, family engagement, and continuous quality improvement.
As an extension of the College of the Desert Child Development and Education (CDE) Department, the Center serves as a learning laboratory and training site for future educators and related disciplines. College students participate in structured observations, hands-on learning opportunities, and supervised practicum experiences within the classrooms, gaining valuable experience in developmentally appropriate early learning environments.
The program emphasizes hands-on, play-based learning experiences designed to support the whole child. Through meaningful interactions, exploration, creativity, and relationship-based teaching practices, children are encouraged to develop confidence, independence, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional competence. Classrooms are intentionally designed to create welcoming, engaging, and inclusive environments where children and families feel supported and valued.
The Center serves College of the Desert students, faculty, staff, and families throughout the surrounding community. Priority enrollment is given to children of COD students, though all families are encouraged to apply. Tuition assistance may be available, and fees are determined based on program eligibility and funding requirements.
Licensed Program Information
College of the Desert Indio Child Development and Training Center
45-742 Oasis St.
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 568-7500
Community Care Licensing: LIC# 336301026
For additional information or to inquire about enrollment, please contact the Center directly.
