Child Development Center

Welcome to Madera Community College’s high-quality preschool and model demonstration site for Child Development students.  

Preschool Enrollment Available

• Serving children 2.5 years to 5.11 years of age 
• Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. AND Friday 8 a.m.-noon.
• Affordable rates (financial aid may be available)  
• Low teacher-child ratios and highly qualified staff 

To enroll your child, please Submit an Application.

Community members are welcome. Priority is given to full-time students, full-time faculty and staff, and part-time students.  

Aaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

Contact Us

Child Development Center: (559) 675-4808

Amy Carnahan

Child Development Instructor Coordinator/Director 

Director’s Office Phone Number: (559) 675-4179

Email: amy.carnahan@maderacollege.edu

THE MADERA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PHILOSOPHY: 

It is our belief that young children are competent individuals who grow and learn through exploring and investigating the world around them. We view each child as unique, with their own pattern of development influenced by their sociocultural experiences. We value each child and their family and connection between home and school. We are committed to supporting children’s social-emotional growth and wellbeing.  

We believe that: 

• Children learn best through hands on play and are motivated by curiosity. Teachers serve as co-researchers who support and facilitate learning and conflict resolution. 
• Environments are intentionally planned to provoke a sense of wonder, inspire creativity, and promote self-direction, allowing children freedom to follow their interests and imaginations. 
• Curriculum is driven by the needs, interests, and abilities of the children as observed by the teachers. 
• Children can and should learn to respect and care for the environment, each other and their work. 

THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER LAB SCHOOL AND STUDENT COURSE WORK 

The Child Development Center is an integral part of the Child Development Program at Madera Community College. The program serves our campus and community in three ways: 

• As an observation, demonstration, and training facility for Madera Community College Cchild Ddevelopment sstudents 
• As a model early care and education center for the community  
• To provide for the care and education of children while their parents attend classes or work.