Our early childhood program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC administers the largest and most widely recognized national, voluntary, professionally sponsored accreditation system for all types of early childhood schools and childcare centers. NAEYC is the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators.
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
Meet the Staff
- Jennifer Somers; Director
Illinois State Director's Credential level 1
Education: Bachelor's in Human Services
Employed at PCDC since July 2004
Number of years in early childhood education: 24 years
- Karen Talbott; Associate Director
Illinois State Director's Credential level 1
Illinois Early Childhood Education Credential level 4
Illinois Infant Toddler Credential level 4
Education: Bachelor's in Science in Early Childhood Education
Employed at PCDC since May 2009
Number of years in early childhood education: 20 years
- Kanoko Manabe; Assistant Teacher - Pre-K
Education: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Education and Family Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Employed at PCDC since _______
Number of years in early childhood education: 10 years
- Chamonique Brown; Head Teacher - Pre-K
Illinois Early Childhood Education Credential Level 4
Illinois Infant Toddler
Credential Level 2
Education: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development
Employed at PCDC Since November 2017
Number of years in early childhood education: 13 years
- Jamaria McDonald; Head Teacher - Infants & Toddlers
Illinois Early Childhood Education Credential Level 2
Education: Working on an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education
Number of years in early childhood education: 10 years
- Raine Smith; Interim-Assistant Teacher - Infants & Toddlers
Illinois Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1
Education: Working on an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
Employed at PCDC since ________
Number of years in early childhood education: 3 years
- Samantha Hough; Head Teacher - Two Year Olds
Illinois Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1
Associate of Science
Associate of Arts
Employed at PCDC since ________
Number of years in early childhood education: 2 years
- Tony Oliver; Chef
Food Sanitation and Serving License
Employed at PCDC since ________
Number of years in food sanitation and serving: 8 years