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 Tier 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 Tier 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.
Enrollment & Admissions
NSU employees and families with siblings currently attending receive first placement.
Limited to 40 students, with a waitlist managed by age, priority status, and application date
Hours & Calendar
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:15 AM–5:30 PM CST.
Program Calendar: Follows Natchitoches Parish School Board schedule, observing holidays including Labor Day, Mardi Gras, Spring Break, and Professional Development days
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 limited population (41 children), a waiting list for each age group is established as outlined below:
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.
Children ages 3 and 4 prior to September 30th are eligible to enroll. Children who are 5 years of age prior to September 30th are considered kindergarten eligible and may not return to the four-year-old program.
An application form must be completed, signed, and received to apply for enrollment and Ages & Stages Questionnaire. Applications will be accepted the year prior to a child’s eligibility for school in that year. Applications are dated upon receipt. Completion of the application does not guarantee enrollment.
