In 1992, what was to become the Rosa Elena Childcare Center (RECC) began as a parent cooperative for the young children of parents who were on the staff of the Alzheimer's Activity Center (AAC) in San José. It was located in the same building as AAC, in a room adjacent to the main center, and consisted of two programs: a traditional childcare cooperative for infants through preschool children, and an after-school homework club for older children.

In December 2002, the RECC became fully licensed for children from the age of six weeks through kindergarten. Beginning in autumn 2004, the RECC decided to discontinue the after-school homework club. Then, in spring 2006, the RECC decided to narrow its focus further by limiting enrollment to pre-kindergarten children, meaning those between the ages of two and five.

The RECC is now a fully licensed child-care center that can accommodate up to 28 children. In conjunction with the Alzheimer's Activity Center, there are several inter-generational programs each week, in addition to the activities and programs within the RECC.