Find out if you qualify for our free First Steps 4-K program by calling 864-654-3345.
About Us
A little history of CCDC
The Clemson Child Development Center was a founded at the height of the Civil Rights movement by the Clemson Chapter of the South Carolina Council on Human Relations. At that time there were no nursery schools or kindergarten programs available to Black children in the Clemson area; thus the primary purpose of the Clemson Day Care Center, as it was first called, was to provide quality pre-school education to African-American children preparing to enter the soon-to-be integrated public school system. In 1969, the Day Care Center opened its doors to 20 children on 2.5 acres of wooded, landscaped property on McGee Street.
In 1975, with funding from federal, state, and local grants, the Center's mission was expanded to provide a 12-month comprehensive child development program, and its name changed to reflect this greater vision. The Clemson Child Development Center (CCDC) served children from six weeks to five years old with full-day childcare and preschool education, including a 5K class until SC public schools implemented a five-year-old kindergarten program. It was also one of the first sites in the state to offer an award-winning 4K preschool curriculum as a part of SC First Steps.
In February 2007, having outgrown the original facilities, CCDC moved to our present location, in the historic Calhoun School building (former Morrison Annex) on Butler Street where we currently nurture and educate 70 children.
CCDC Today
Today, the non-profit CCDC is run by Clemson Child Development Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. A voluntary Board of Directors includes representatives from local church congregations and members from the community at large. The student body is ethnically and socio-economically diverse. Staff members have experience in early childhood education and development and attend annual training programs. CCDC is licensed by the Department of Social Services and adheres to all child care and developmental standards required by the ABC Voucher System.
Facilities & Staff
The facilities at the current CCDC include six classrooms, three playgrounds, a screened playroom, a lunchroom within an auditorium, full kitchen, conference room, teachers' workroom, and office areas.
Staff includes 15 full time and 8 part time faculty and staff members. Low teacher/pupil ratios provide the children with the individual attention they need.
Teacher to student ratios:
Infant class: 1 teacher to 3 children
1-year-old class: 1 teacher to 5 children
2-year-old class: 1 teacher to 7 children
3-year-old class: 1 teacher to 11 children
4 & 5-year olds: 1 teacher to 13 children
SC First Steps 4K program: 1 teacher to 10 children
OUR STUDENTS
CCDC accepts children from six weeks through four year kindergarten age, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, political beliefs, or physical challenges.
Around 70 children, coming from 60 families, are enrolled at CCDC. The Center fosters an environment that values diversity. The ethnic breakdown of the student body during a recent year was 38% African American, 25% White, 25% Bi-racial, 2% Hispanic, 3% Pacific Islander, and 7% Asian.
A TYPICAL DAY
The Center is open each weekday from 7:00am to 5:30pm. A nutritional breakfast is served at 8:00. At 9:00 the children begin classroom instruction which continues throughout the day in both structured and unstructured settings. The children are provided a nutritious lunch and an opportunity for rest. Age level playgrounds are used for outdoor play, and a large screened in play area is used during inclement weather.