After 18 years in-the-making, North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC) – which offers early childhood care and education – has officially opened its Bright Futures campus in Novato.
This newly built, 20,000-square-foot campus will serve 176 children, from infancy to preschooler age, which is double the capacity of the original building. A NBCC campus previously stood in its place, but was demolished to make space for the new construction. To accommodate students during this time, a temporary campus was set up.
While Bright Futures has a fresh look, it will maintain NBCC’s overarching mission: to offer accessible childcare to families of all backgrounds and incomes.
Marin Magazine had a chance to tour the new campus at its official opening last month. Read on to find out what else is new in NBCC’s newest education space in northern Marin.
Going Green
The importance of sustainability played a big part in the creation of both the new campus and curriculum.
Many of the location’s outdoor structures, for example, comprise reclaimed materials from previously existing local structures. Climate change was also highly considered throughout the building process, with structures like shaded patios and hydration stations all intentionally built to minimize climate-related interruptions. A planned water feature will also use collected rainwater.
The hands-on Garden of Eatin’ curriculum includes an outdoor classroom, with features like tricycle trails, mud kitchens and sensory gardens. A demonstration kitchen will teach children about the importance of knowing where their food comes from and how to use cooking as an outlet for creativity and curiosity. Students will also learn skills like composting, planting and recycling. (Food Network celebrity chef Curtis Aikens will serve as the Chef in Residence and Garden of Eatin’ Ambassador).
According to Garden of Eatin’ Director Teresa Fogolini, starting young is the key when it comes to teaching healthy habits, especially around nutrition. This, she adds, is one of many pluses to having children start the program as young as when they’re infants.
Supporting Educators and Mental Health
Educators will also benefit from this new space. The site’s on-site study space, named the Innovative Learning Lab, will offer early childhood education professionals onsite research and training opportunities. This space will eventually open to professionals outside of NBCC’s doors.
There will also be a dedicated therapeutic space for the children that has sensory tools, adaptive equipment and onsite therapy opportunities. The encouraged accessibility of this space will help set the groundwork for their ongoing learning, behavior and socio-emotional growth.
Working Within the Community
NBCC has played a crucial role in making early childhood education accessible to all members of the North Bay Area community, with 94 percent of their families served coming from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They’ve also partnered with various school districts over the years, such as with the Novato Unified School District. Thanks to this partnership, NUSD’s Early Intervention program will be able to utilize the Bright Futures therapeutic space and gardens. Visit @marinmagazine on Instagram to get a closer look at the new campus at their Aug. 27 ribbon cutting. Enrollment for the Bright Futures campus is now open.
NBCC By the Numbers
- 39 years of experience across the North Bay
- 10,300 children who have gone through the NBCC since its inception in 1986
- 14 locations, extending from Novato to Healdsburg
- 600+ children and families of diverse backgrounds served annually
- $11.5 million in funds raised for their new 20,000-square-foot facility
