Faculty & Statff

Marcia Cagigas, Director

I began working at the East Los Angeles College Child Development Center in 1981. I wore many hats before being selected as the Director of this amazing program, including teacher assistant, coordinator of the food program, manager of the State Preschool Grant, substitute teacher, and teacher. In all of my years working in the field of early education, what stands out are the children, family, students, and staff that I have had the pleasure of working with.

I am an alumni of East Los Angeles College (A.A.), California State University Los Angeles (B.A. in Child Development), and the University of LaVerne (M.S. in Early Childhood Education). I take pleasure in learning new and exciting ideas and concepts, as well as meeting and getting to know professionals early childhood education.

Jennifer Jarman, Teacher

I grew up locally in Bell Gardens, CA, and I have been working in the Child Development field for 30 years. I started my career as a practicum student at the East Los Angeles College Child Development Center, where I taught for several years before going to Downey Adult School to help administer and oversee the successful daily operations of the child care center. I also taught child development classes to high school students at both Downey and Warren High School. I then taught at Los Angeles City College for three years. I returned to East Los Angeles College in 1999, where I have happily been since.
My husband and I are passionate advocates for children and families in the foster care system. 

Aurora Navarro, Teacher

I was born and raised in Boyle Heights. I began working at the East Los An geles Child Development Center in 2001. I am currently a Co-Teacher and work closely with 3-5 year olds. I am an Alumni of East Los Angeles College (A.A.) and the University of LaVerne (B.S. in Child Development). I am currently a graduate student at Pacific Oaks College, where I am completing a Master's degree in Human Development.

I am aware that children come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and different family configurations.

This is why it is important to validate, embrace, and celebrate the diversity that children and families bring into the classroom. As an educator I provide my students stimulating and developmentally appropriate first-hand learning experiences that support children's interests, curiosities, and life experiences.

Mia Castro, Teacher

I developed my passion for working with young children in 1991 while I was a student at East Los Angeles College. I discovered that working with young children presented both challenges and rewards that helped me grow as an individual and gave me a chance to make a difference in the life of a child.

I am dedicated to becoming an expert early childhood educator. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from East Los Angeles College. I later attended Pacific Oaks College and received a Bachelor's of Arts in Human Development. 

I am very passionate about the arts and I love to incorporate many forms in my classroom. I believe music is a useful tool in early literacy, math, and in building community in a diverse world. 

Virginia Mercado, Program Technician

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I graduated from Alhambra High School and carried on to raise my two beautiful children in our home in Covina, California. My experience in real estate and accounting has allowed me to implement my professional skills as an employee of the East Los Angeles Child Development Center for the past twenty-seven years. I get great joy and satisfaction from serving the families and children in our program.

Every day I joyfully serve our community at East Los Angeles College, where I continue to enjoy the laughter of all of the young ones who come and go on to become important people in their lives.