About the Child Development Learning Center
The Alcorn State University Child Development Learning Center (CDLC) provides a nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment designed to support the growth and development of young children. Established in 1950, the CDLC operates under the Department of Human Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and has been licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health since June 23, 1980. The center serves children from six weeks through 5 years of age in infant, toddler and preschool classrooms.
The CDLC supports Alcorn State University’s land-grant mission through teaching, research and outreach. In addition to providing childcare and early learning opportunities for families, the center serves as an applied learning environment for university students. Students have opportunities to observe, participate and gain practical experience while studying the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. The center also supports research and educational experiences associated with the university’s academic programs.
Learning and Development
The Child Development Learning Center is committed to providing a safe, responsive and engaging environment where children can grow, learn and develop. The center offers play-based learning and developmentally appropriate educational experiences that support early childhood growth and social-emotional development. Children also have opportunities to participate in outdoor play and extracurricular activities that complement their classroom experiences.
Through age-appropriate learning experiences, the CDLC supports the development of the whole child. Teachers provide experiences that encourage children to explore, interact, communicate, and develop skills that contribute to their continued growth and preparation for future educational experiences.
A Learning Laboratory for Alcorn Students
An important part of the CDLC’s mission is its role as an applied learning site for Alcorn State University students. The center provides university students with observational, participatory and educational experiences in a high-quality child development setting. Through these experiences, students can connect concepts learned in the classroom with practical experiences involving infants, toddlers, preschool children, and families.
The CDLC is housed within the Department of Human Sciences and supports experiential learning opportunities associated with academic study in child development and related areas. Its role as a learning laboratory allows Alcorn students to gain a deeper understanding of child growth and development while preparing for careers that serve children, families and communities.
Enrollment
Enrollment at the Child Development Learning Center is open to children ages six weeks through 5 years. Children are served through infant, toddler and preschool classrooms, with classroom placement based on age and developmental considerations.
Parents and guardians interested in enrolling a child may obtain an application from the Child Development Learning Center. Families are also encouraged to contact the center to schedule a visit, learn more about available enrollment opportunities, and receive current information regarding required enrollment documentation.
Child Care Vouchers
The Child Development Learning Center accepts state-approved child care vouchers to help make quality early childhood education and childcare more accessible to eligible families. Through the center’s Access for All initiative, qualifying families may apply approved child care benefits toward tuition costs at the CDLC. Families interested in using child care assistance are encouraged to contact the center for additional information regarding enrollment and the use of approved benefits.
Drop-In Childcare for Alcorn Students
The Child Development Learning Center also offers a drop-in childcare service designed to support eligible full-time undergraduate Alcorn State University students who are parents. The service provides a short-term childcare option to help student parents balance their academic responsibilities while ensuring their children are cared for in a nurturing and secure environment.
To qualify for the drop-in childcare program, parents must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at Alcorn State University and provide proof of enrollment. A completed application and required documentation must also be submitted to the center. The drop-in program is offered for $25 for up to five days of care, with each additional day available for $5.
Hours of Operation
The Child Development Learning Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Early drop-off is available beginning at 7:45 a.m.
Our Commitment to Children and Families
For more than 75 years, the Child Development Learning Center has been part of Alcorn State University’s commitment to children, families, students and communities. The center continues that tradition by providing an environment that promotes early learning and development while creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities for university students.
Through its combined roles in childcare, education and applied learning, the CDLC supports young children during important developmental years while helping prepare Alcorn students for careers that positively impact children, families and communities.
Contact the CDLC
Families interested in enrollment, scheduling a visit, learning more about child care vouchers or receiving information about the student drop-in childcare program may contact the Child Development Learning Center.
Geneiiah Weddington, Ed.S.
Director, Child Development Learning Center
Eunice Powell Hall
Alcorn State University
Lorman, Mississippi 39096
Phone: 601-877-6255
Email: [email protected]