THOUSAND OAKS, CA. – A groundbreaking ceremony for the new California Lutheran University Early Childhood Center will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

The $2 million facility will replace a renovated house that was supposed to be a temporary location when the program started in 1974. Often referred to as the House on the Hill in the early years, the existing building is 2,152 square feet. The new center, slated for completion by fall 2011, will be more than double the size at 4,738 square feet.

The new facility will better meet the center’s needs, with a faculty workroom and classrooms that have bathrooms and empty directly onto the playground. The fenced yard will include an outdoor classroom for activities such as gardening and exploring nature. The new center will also have an infant room and laundry, which will enable teachers to care for six babies in addition to the 50 toddlers and preschoolers they can currently serve. It will also have a separate patio for teachers.

The new center will be located off Campus Drive north of Olsen Road, a more easily accessible area than its current location just below Mt. Clef Ridge. It will be closer to campus and to the University Village retirement community, making it easier for the seniors and children to interact.

The center was originally launched as a CLU student’s master’s degree project and operated by the School of Education as a training program for leaders in early childhood education. It offered innovative programs and became a model for other childhood learning centers. While the School of Education no longer oversees the center, CLU students from various disciplines conduct observations at the center to study topics ranging from motor development to language acquisition.

Rooted in the Lutheran tradition of education, the center emphasizes Christian faith while providing a hands-on experiential learning environment. The popular program serves CLU employees as well as community members.

The Overton family, which includes CLU alumni, provided the primary donation for the center. Family members have given generously to the university through the years and their name graces a hall and a street on campus. Donations and grants from individuals and organizations, including the Ahmanson Foundation of Beverly Hills, will cover the rest of the cost.

To RSVP or for more information, call (805) 493-3247.