• Parkland College Child Development Center is a demonstration laboratory school that provides a quality, affordable, individualized program. It is a state-licensed facility which is open to Parkland students, staff, faculty, and community residents.The Child Development Center provides a foundation for learning that includes the total development and education of each child, while recognizing the family as the child's primary teacher and decision maker. The center also offers learning opportunities for Parkland students and others pursuing a career working with children and families. Note: enrollment priority is given to Parkland students.

• We believe that:

• Every child has a right to a safe, healthy, nurturing environment.
• Children learn through play; therefore, we plan our curriculum with a caring and creative environment.
• Every parent is a valued partner in his or her child’s education, and is welcome at all times.
• The role of the child’s teacher is essential to the development of the child; therefore, the teacher is a highly valued professional.

• We strive to:

• Encourage each child’s creativity and self-expression
• Foster positive attitudes toward self and others
• Promote language skills and communication abilities
• Stimulate interest in mathematics, sciences, and the arts
• Promote wellness, physical growth, and motor development
• Encourage self-discipline and acceptance of reasonable limits
• Provide families with links to other resources
• Prepare children for kindergarten
• Strengthen home-to-school relationships

• Our Staff:

Nancy Kemna; Director
Education Masters of Education Degree in Early Childhood Administration
Employed at CDC since August 1996
Number of years in early childhood education 14 years

Deb Probasco; Assistant Director
Education Associates Degree in Child Development
Employed at CDC since April 2001
Number of years in early childhood education 10 years

Nilsa Almenas ; Head Teacher
Education 98 hours of college credit with coursework in early childhood education
Employed at CDC since December 2004
Number of years in early childhood education 29+ years

Jennifer Somers; Assistant Teacher
Education Associates Degree in Child Development
Employed at CDC since July 2004
Number of years in early childhood education 5 years

Maura Michael; Head Teacher
Education Bachelors Degree in Family & Consumer Science
Employed at CDC since October 2003
Number of years in early childhood education 20 years

Bobbie Collins; Assistant Teacher
Education Associates Degree in Child Development
Employed at CDC since August 2000
Number of years in early childhood education 9 years

Tara Bailey; Head Teacher
Education Masters Degree in Family & Consumer Science
Employed at CDC since July 2003
Number of years in early childhood education 8 years

Laura Pierce; Assistant Teacher
Education 80 hours of college credit with coursework in early childhood education
Employed at CDC since October 2005
Number of years in early childhood education 7 years

Deb Valentine; Head Teacher
Education Bachelors Degree in Family & Consumer Science
Employed at CDC since January 1995
Number of years in early childhood education 23 years

Sharon Todd; Assistant Teacher
Education 35 hours college credit with coursework in Child Development & an Associate of Child Development (CDA) Certificate
Employed at CDC since May 2005
Number of years in early childhood education 16 years