Child Development Center

A hallmark of both the University and the community, the Widener Child Development Center provides loving, engaging care to children ages three to five. Reflecting the University’s commitment to belonging, the WCDC embraces our diverse community of learners and welcomes each child’s unique qualities, celebrating their social and academic achievements.

Widener University's Little Lions

The Widener Child Development Center (CDC) is a Keystone STAR 4 childcare facility offering a unique preschool and pre-K experience within a laboratory school setting. Located on campus, our approach—aligned with Widener’s values—focuses on nurturing the whole child: their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development, as well as their individual creativity.

With a staff of certified teachers, teacher assistants, and future teacher candidates, we promote learning through exploration. Our teachers support developmental play, foster a hands-on approach, model social skills such as turn-taking, and spark children’s curiosity by encouraging and answering questions. To ensure balance in each child’s day, we offer both whole-group and small-group lessons that build a range of academic skills, tap into students’ interests, and prepare them for kindergarten.

Field Experience from Day One

The CDC provides Widener students with meaningful real-world experiences, no matter their major. Students in education, social work, physical therapy, nursing, and clinical psychology routinely engage in activities and work at the CDC.

Education majors and teacher candidates, in particular, begin gaining field experience as early as their freshman year. You will work alongside certified teachers and participate in classroom observations, lesson presentations, research, and more. This early, hands-on experience gives you a competitive advantage in the job market by allowing you to speak to real-life work with children who have diverse needs and backgrounds.

Your experience at the CDC will prepare you for future field placements and your career as an educator. These opportunities help you stay connected to the heart of teaching—brightening a child’s day and making a positive, lasting impact on their learning and growth.

Learn More about the Child Development Center