The Benicia Unified School District Child Development Unit (CDU) offers a broad range of programs to meet the needs of the children and families in Benicia. We operate a STEM before and after school program at our Benicia Middle School and there are Pre-Kindergarten programs along with before and after school enrichment programs at all our Elementary schools. We also operate an income eligible subsidized State Preschool and before and after school program at Robert Semple Elementary. Our Stepping Stones Parent Participation program is held at Joe Henderson Elementary.
The program for pre-kindergarten children is based on a developmental approach. That is, the curriculum and teaching strategies are both age and individually appropriate for the children we serve. The program’s activities are chiefly child-directed. The program provides a variety of activities and experiences that promote social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical and creative development of young children. Each child is given the opportunity for understanding oneself and others.
The program for school-age children serves as a bridge between home and school. It provides a balance of educational, social and recreational opportunities, an environment that is safe and structured, and activities that are conducive to all children in a fun, playful way School-age care programs exist for the purpose of promoting, nurturing, supporting and enhancing all areas of children’s development. All children are individuals of equal worth and value who come to the program at their own developmental level and bring with them a unique mixture of family background, language and culture, personality and learning style.