Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is proud to announce the college’s Childhood Development Center and Lab School (CDCLS) has met the criteria to become a Certified Healthy Early Childhood Program. This designation recognizes early childhood program sites that make a positive impact on the health of employees and patrons.

There are three levels of certification: Basic, Merit and Excellence; the CDCLS earned the excellence certification. The CDCLS will be recognized at the annual Certified Healthy Oklahoma event March 1, 2017 at the Embassy Suites Norman- Hotel & Conference Center in Norman.

“I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments made by the Childhood Development Center and Lab School,†said OCCC President Jerry Steward. “I know how much time and dedication the CDCLS employees put into this work, so I am pleased to see their dedication and efforts recognized by the Healthy OK initiative.â€

The Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program began in 2003 as a collaborative initiative with four founding partners – the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, the Oklahoma State Chamber, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program is a free, voluntary statewide certification. The certification showcases businesses, campuses, communities, congregations, early childhood programs, restaurants, and schools that are committed to supporting healthy choices through environmental and policy change. These entities are working to improve the health of Oklahomans by implementing elements, policies, and programs that will help Oklahomans eat better, move more, and be tobacco free.

The CDCLS is recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding centers. It is licensed by the State of Oklahoma with a three-star rating which is renewed annually. The CDCLS is also accredited nationally by the Academy, a branch of the National Association of the Education of Young Children. This accreditation is renewed every five years.

The teaching staff is experienced in working with children of various ages and backgrounds. The child development teachers hold bachelor degrees in child development, early childhood education or a related field. A number of our child development teachers also hold master degrees in these fields.

OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.