Child Development Academy at Marshall University

05/28/2026

Today, CDA employees attended a luncheon celebrating their years of service. Congratulations to all! Thank you to Marshall University Research Corporation for the recognition and appreciation of our dedicated staff.

05/20/2026

Our preschool friends had such a meaningful experience participating in the Community Cares event at Marshall University today. Throughout the event, our children were surrounded by kindness, encouragement, and a true sense of belonging from the university community.

We are especially grateful for the sincerity and generosity shown to our youngest learners by President Brad Smith and First Lady Alys Smith. Their genuine engagement with the children reflected the importance of investing in early childhood and creating spaces where children feel valued, capable, and seen.

At CDA, we believe children are active participants in their communities and deserve meaningful opportunities to connect with the world around them. Experiences like these help children develop an understanding of how caring for our communities also means caring for the environments that surround us. Through shared experiences, children begin to see that even small acts of kindness, stewardship, and service can make a meaningful impact on the people and places they love. Early education is not simply preparation for the future, it is the foundation of empathy, collaboration, confidence, and lifelong learning.

A special thank you to the very talented photographer, Morgan Napier, for capturing so many beautiful moments from today’s event.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today so special for our preschool friends.

05/16/2026

Community cleanup at the CDA was a hit! Thank you to everyone who showed up and worked this morning. We appreciate your support more than you know!

05/02/2026

🎨🖼️💚

'World According to Us' art exhibit held in Huntington.

04/30/2026

Miss. Nicole not only an amazing teacher but also a rockstar of an athlete! So grateful to have her on our team.

A great honor for Nicole! ⚽️

Nicole Navarro has been named a finalist for the Dr. Pepper ‘Go Teach’ Tuition Award!!

⚽️: bit.ly/NavarroDrPepperGoTeach

04/25/2026

💚🤍🦬

04/23/2026

Today, the Child Development Academy had the honor of hosting the first stop of the WVAEYC Legislative Tour.

We welcomed Secretary of State Kris Warner, Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse, Delegate Patrick Lucas, and Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, along with many other valued guests and advocates who continue to support early childhood education across West Virginia.

As a program serving 86 children with a waitlist of over 80 families, this work is deeply personal to us. Each day, our highly qualified educators create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that support not only children but working families and our community as a whole.

Today provided an opportunity to share what high-quality early childhood education truly looks like from rich classroom environments to the relationships that support children’s growth and development.

We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and commitment shown by those who continue to move childcare forward in our state.

Because when we invest in children, we invest in families, workforce, and the future of West Virginia.

Thank you for spending time with us at CDA, we are proud to be part of this important work.

04/22/2026

https://givingday.marshall.edu/giving-day/106226/donate?dept=106230&des=767233&utm_source=scalefunder&utm_campaign=amb_share&utm_content=161z6dcwt20szu46mr36s02&utm_medium=plain

Direct Link for the Child Development Academy!