The Child Development Academy at Marshall University provides high-quality, affordable childcare services tailored to meet the needs of university students who are parents.
Priority enrollment is offered to Marshall University students, but faculty, staff, and community families are also eligible as space permits.
With a commitment to affordability, the Academy offers Marshall University students discounted services and a priority on our waitlist, ensuring that parents at Marshall University and beyond have access to reliable and supportive childcare services.
The Child Development Academy at Marshall University fosters an active group of eager learners by creating a safe, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate environment. The program is designed to meet the evolving needs of children, encouraging independence and autonomy. Staff provide opportunities for exploration and growth in key areas such as gross and fine motor skills, self-help abilities, and language development. Children engage in both indoor and outdoor activities, choosing from a variety of toys and equipment to:
- Learn about themselves and their emotions
- Develop communication skills
- Build relationships with others
- Enhance physical movement and coordination
- Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills
This holistic approach supports children’s overall development and readiness for future learning experiences.
All children spend one hour minimum outdoors each day, except in extreme conditions. Please dress your child accordingly. Outdoor play is healthy on many levels – it provides open space to decrease the spread of infections, a variety of opportunities for gross motor development, and balance in the children’s play and routine.
Children are provided with their own cot during daily nap time. Those who don’t sleep are asked to rest until the others are asleep and then offered quiet activities. Licensing requires one hour of rest time.
Children are offered breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Staff eat with the children in a family style setting. Well-balanced meals satisfy the requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Menus avoid sugar and high amounts of fat and salt. New foods are introduced regularly and children are encouraged to taste.
