Excellence in Preschool Learning. Hands‑on Teacher Training. Community at the Core.
Located on the NSU campus in historic Natchitoches, the Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center serves as a premier type III preschool accredited by NAEYC. Dedicated to nurturing curious, confident three‑ and four‑year-old learners, the CDC blends playful exploration and research-backed instruction under the leadership of certified educators and trained NSU students.
Why Families & Future Teachers Choose Us
NAEYC-Accredited & Rated Type III
Our five-star rating reflects top-tier safety, curriculum, and developmental outcomes.
Hands‑on Teacher Training Site
As NSU’s laboratory preschool, we offer real classroom experience for early childhood education majors, integrating fresh research and best practices.
Play-Based, Culturally Responsive Curriculum
Project- and play-based learning tailored to early developmental standards and inclusive, child-centered classrooms.
”I have always felt that my children were safe, happy, healthy, and so loved by the CDC family. Two of my children have gone through the CDC and now my third is there. I can say with full confidence that this is the best place they could spend their pre-K years. They truly care for each child on an individualized level. Children are encouraged to learn through play. The staff work diligently to ensure children have a variety of hands-on activities to promote and encourage active learning daily. I love that parents or family members can be as involved with events and activities as they want. There are so many opportunities to be there and get involved. My children come home happy and excited to share what they are learning about at the center. It makes my heart so happy to hear, “Mommy, I love school!”
We decided to send our child to the CDC not only because of the quality of learning and teachers that this school provides, but also because of its diversity, which I consider to be important for a child’s development into the world. From what I have seen, the children not only learn great concepts for personal growth, but they have a lot of fun too. My child always tells me how much fun he has at school with all his friends. As a parent, I am certain to say that I would recommend the CDC to anyone!
Enrollment & Admissions
Enrollment at the CDC is on an annual basis. Applicants with the priority status are selected for enrollment first. Priority status is considered in the following order:
1. A child with at least one parent employed full-time at Northwestern State University (NSU) or the Louisiana School for the Math, Science, and Arts (LSMSA)
2. A child with a sibling who currently attends the Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center
*The CDC no longer holds priority status in the NSU Laboratory School yearly draw.
Hours & Calendar
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:15 AM–5:30 PM CST.
Program Calendar: Follows Natchitoches Parish School Board schedule.
CREATIVE CURRICULUM
At the Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center, learning is rooted in play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with Louisiana’s Early Learning and Developmental Standards. Our three- and four-year-olds engage in project-based, culturally responsive classrooms designed to foster emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth.
CDC Application for Enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment at the CDC is on an annual basis. Applicants with the priority status are selected for enrollment first. Priority status is considered in the following order:
- A child with at least one parent employed full-time at Northwestern State University (NSU) or the Louisiana School for the Math, Science, and Arts (LSMSA)
- A child with a sibling who currently attends the Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center
Due to our limited enrollment capacity of 41 children, a waiting list is maintained for each age group.
Admission to the NSU CDC is open to all children, ages 3 and 4 years by September 30, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or if breast fed. Enrollment at the NSU CDC shall be offered to children of NSU students, staff, faculty, alumni, and for those not affiliated with NSU.
