Little Lights Learning Center

The Clemson Child Development Center ( CCDC ) was founded in 1968 by the Clemson Chapter of the South Carolina Council on Human Relations. The founders wished to provide a quality pre-school education for the African-American children in the area as they prepared to enter the newly integrated school system. Today, CCDC is run by Clemson Child Development Center, Inc, a 501C ( 3 ) organization. The board of directors includes members from local congregations and 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. CCDC was one of the 10 sites in the state selected for a S.C. First Steps 4 year old kindergarten class from 2002 through 2005. The Clemson Child Development Center was located at a 2.5 acres of wooded, landscaped property on McGee Street for 38 years. In February 2007, the Center moved into a new site at the Morrison Annex. New facilities include classrooms, kitchen, lunchroom within an auditorium, office areas, teachers lounge, conference room, library, and three age appropriate playgrounds. Staff includes 9 full time teachers, 4 part time teachers, and 5 office/ kitchen staff. Low pupil/student ratios provide the children with the individual attention they need. Around 70 children, coming from 60 families, are enrolled at CCDC. The Clemson Child Development Center accepts children from age six weeks to 4K, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, political belief, or handicapped condition. The Center fosters an environment of diversity. Typically, classes include students from Chinese, Portuguese, Mexican, Ceylonese, Caucasian, and African-American backgrounds. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 7: 00 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. Meals include breakfast, lunch and a snack. Breakfast consists of cereal, fruit and milk. For the noon meal, it might be beef stew and rice, a vegetable, fruit and milk. The afternoon snack might be a graham cracker or cookie with milk or juice.

St. Mark Child Development Center was founded in 1997 and has approximately 24 staff members and provides care for approximately 120 children. St. Mark is committed to providing a loving Christian environment full of educational experiences for young children. Teachers are well trained and are continually getting educated each year in new childcare methods. We provide opportunities for children to grow emotionally, socially, developmentally, and spiritually.