The Muckleshoot Child Development Center (MCDC) opened in 2003 fully funded by tribal gaming tax fund dollars and founded as an Early Learning school for Muckleshoot Tribal Members. Located in Auburn, Washington on the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation MCDC operates as a full-time school providing developmental hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm with before and after school services from 7:00am-8:30am and 3:30pm-6:00pm. It provides opportunities for a study of native plant communities, wildlife habitats and hydraulic cycles. On our land, we see how nature provides food and shelter, how precipitation collects and moves across the terrain, and how plant materials respond to seasonal changes. The site is beautiful and incorporates a broad range of environments. We have distinct wetlands and a riparian environment; substantial flat areas for playfields; and an uplands forest with slopes and terraces including numerous specimen redwoods, cedars and other mature trees. MCDC incorporates reusing and recycling into our curriculum, and into our community's everyday life. Our efforts include reducing solid waste, initiating or improving other sustainable strategies such as water and energy conservation, environmental purchasing, greenhouse gas reduction and hazardous waste reduction. Enrollment is open to tribal children ages 5 weeks-12 years (early child development through seventh grade) providing Whulshootseed language, art, mathematics, music, and other subject domains. Each of our students has an individual learning plan (ILP) and portfolio to plan and record their progress. By maintaining a low student to teacher ratio, we are able to use a flexible curriculum designed to meet the needs of each individual child. In an effort to reach beyond traditional schooling, we hope to inspire and encourage student exploration and creativity. The learning that takes place at MCDC is expected to exceed and be much more diverse than the state learning goals require. The MCDC family - our students, parents, staff and community - are excited and honored about our school and thank our leadership for their ongoing support making education a priority for our people and future generations.
