photo by Melinda Finn

SAN MARCOS, CA (August 19, 2016) – Shown ready to officially to cut the ribbon, opening the new Early Childhood Education Lab School (ECELS) at Palomar College are, from left, Palomar College Governing Board Trustee John Halcón; Palomar College President Dr. Joi Lin Blake; Governing Board President Mark Evilsizer; and Vice President Nancy Ann Hensch.

Blake welcomed guests at the Grand Opening event on Friday, Aug. 19, which featured comments from Evilsizer; Interim Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction Dan Sourbeer; and Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Jack Kahn. The official speaker at the event was Professor of Child Development and Liaison to the Early Childhood Education Lab School Diane Studinka.

After the remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, commemorative group photographs and refreshments, guest were invited to tour the facility.

In addition to Palomar College faculty, staff and students, guests included public officials, community members, and ECELS children and their families.

The new 16,195 square-foot facility, which opened during the spring 2016 semester, features inviting outdoor play areas, and classrooms designed to bring the outdoor feel inside. The ECELS  includes three buildings, housing seven classrooms and a gross motor room along with offices and other designated rooms; plus five play yards with slides, tunnels, bridges, climbing ramps and more.  The facility is designed to accommodate 123 persons including staff. It was built with funds from Proposition M, a bond measure approved by voters in November 2006.

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Media contacts:  Melinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x2365
Laura Gropen, Public Affairs Department, 760-744-1150 x2152