[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 142 (Friday, August 24, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1176] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO ATWATER PARK CENTER ______ HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF of california in the house of representatives Friday, August 24, 2018 Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hundreds of staff and volunteers who have helped to create and sustain the Atwater Park Center (APC) in Los Angeles as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. In 1968, volunteers from a local church organized one of the first early childhood engagement programs in Los Angeles County with the goal of helping local families maximize their young children's development by providing networking opportunities and support. From this endeavor, a secular, non-profit organization, Atwater Park Center (APC) was established, renting classrooms in Atwater Baptist Church, to provide a variety of family services, which continues to this day. Now, 50 years later, the award-winning APC has served thousands of children throughout the Los Angeles region, providing developmentally sensitive childcare and education. The center also offers home and educational services and support programs for families in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide variety of people. It is also a training site for numerous colleges whose students major in nursing, occupational therapy, child development, and early childhood education, giving hands-on experience to students who want to dedicate their careers to enriching the lives of others. The staff and volunteers of the Atwater Park Center understand that nothing comes close to the relationship a child has with his or her parents but that group care with teachers and caregivers can add to a child's development, helping them stay emotionally secure, confident, and involved in classroom activities. With this feeling of security, children are more likely to explore and make connections with others, and APC presents an atmosphere where children are encouraged to cooperatively live, work, and play. Play spurs communication, imagination, and the development of abstract thought, and children are encouraged to find the style of play that best suits them. The center recognizes the extent to which play is critical in a child's development and focuses on equipping them with as many tools and resources as possible to pave the way to a successful life. I am honored to recognize the volunteers and staff of the Atwater Park Center for its remarkable achievements over the last five decades. I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the APC for their dedicated service to children and families in the greater Los Angeles area. ____________________