The CEC has partnered with the LA Regional Food Bank to assemble food packages to support those in the surrounding communities. We have a combined 120 spots reserved and hope you will be able to join us on one of the following Saturdays: February 10, March 9, or April 13. For more information or to sign up, please click here to visit the CEC/LARFB volunteer page.

A few guidelines to remember:

• Minimum age requirement is 18; NO exceptions

• All volunteers must wear closed-toe/closed-heel shoes

• Volunteers must be able to lift between 10-25 lbs

• Masks are not required to volunteer, but are strongly recommended

• Parking is available on site

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

This year's International ShakeOut Day is Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 am. Here at the CEC, we are planning the following to make sure our community is prepared for the next quake:

• Oak Grove and Caltech Sites: We will practice Drop & Cover (our phrase for young children is "rabbits in the hole") and then proceed to our designated evacuation locations. Please arrive with your child before 10:10 am or after 10:35 am, as teachers will not be able to accept newly arriving children during the evacuation drill.

• In addition, we will be running a test of our Emergency Communications System. This means all parents and staff will be receiving a TEST call, email, and text message (*depending on your opt-in selections). We want to inform you now to try and eliminate any confusion or worry when the messages go out. If you do not receive a TEST message or call on Thursday morning, please contact the Oak Grove office at (818) 354-3418.

For more information on the Great ShakeOut, please check out the link here.

*Children new to the CEC in the Infant-Toddler and Twos groups may have a delayed start date to allow teachers to form relationships with new children and help them adjust from being away from family. These dates will be shared in early summer with families as needed.