This month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible clients, the Children’s Museum of Discovery (CMoD). For 25 years, CMoD has been inspiring young minds and strengthening families through hands-on play, creative exploration, and educational opportunities for all. From its roots as a small traveling program to its current role as a thriving community hub, the Museum continues to spark curiosity and learning for children across San Diego County.
We recently connected with Christina Piranio, Chief Executive Officer of CMoD, to learn more about the Museum’s story, mission, and impact.
Tell us about CMoD.
In 2000, a remarkable group of parents in Escondido joined forces to envision a special place where young children could thrive. They dreamed of a community learning space that would ignite creativity, fuel imagination, and encourage little ones to explore the wonders of the world. Thus, the Escondido Children’s Museum was born, a humble yet extraordinary traveling kite making program crafted with love for our local families. It became a sanctuary where children and caregivers could grow and flourish together.
Fast forward to today, and the Children’s Museum of Discovery is the evolution of that initial spark. Our mission to bring families together in a vibrant learning environment continues to thrive, reaching far beyond Escondido to touch the hearts of communities throughout the county.
What is your mission statement?
Our mission is to spark a love of learning so that all children can discover their wildest dreams.
Our goal is to provide hands-on play experiences that are focused on STEM and social and emotional learning.
Describe your vision and core values.
To be a leader in inventive early childhood education. We believe in learning through hands-on play, nurturing kind hearts and curious minds, and educational opportunities that are inclusive and open to all.
What communities do you serve?
We serve children ages 0-10 and their families throughout San Diego County as far away as Borrego Springs and as close as Escondido.
How are volunteers a part of your organization? How can people get involved?
We love volunteers! They help us to beautify the Museum, read stories to children, and serve as board and committee members. They can get involved by visiting visitcmod.org/volunteer and applying today.
How has your organization grown?
This year, our organization celebrates 25 years of being a Museum in Escondido! Since we opened our doors in 2000, we have served 1.3 million children and families. Those children are now in their 20s and some have begun to bring their children to the Museum!
What do your donor dollars allow you to do?
Donor dollars allow us to provide daily educational program to museum guests, design and fabricate exciting hands-on exhibits, and ensure that the Museum is accessible to all visitors, especially those experiencing financial hardship. Our “Access for All” program provides the Museum experience at a significantly discounted rate so that all families can participate in the early education and hands-on play happening right here!
What makes your organization unique?
One thing that makes us unique is our Mobile Children’s Museum! The Mobile Children’s Museum takes small replicas of our Museum exhibits out and about to schools, preschools, libraries, special events, corporate events, and private birthday parties, just to name a few. The Mobile Children’s Museum reaches thousands more children every year with exciting hands-on STEM and play activities!
What are the biggest challenges your organization faces?
One significant challenge we face is the change in federal education funding offered to early childhood education centers like the Museum. Traditional funding streams for new exhibits, infrastructure, and professional development have been erased. We will continue to raise the funds needed to provide this essential experience to children.
How has Evergreen Alliance impacted the work you do?
Evergreen Alliance provides a critical service to our Museum. They know all about our program and are endlessly helping us to be the best stewards that we can be! Evergreen’s entire team joined the Museum to put in many hours of Museum beautification!
