About Us

Join the Widener legacy – become a widener cub!

Our Mission and Values

Come and experience our family friendly approach, as our teachers and staff lay the foundation for academic, social, and emotional success and lifelong learning!

Founded in 1981 by Dr. Noreen Yoder, professor for the College of Education at Widener University, the Widener Child Development Center continues to function as a model early childhood program for families, future teacher candidates, and the community. Meeting our students’ and families’ diverse needs, we support all our students in reaching their highest potential while inspiring their creativity, growth, and curiosity.

In providing our students with a balance of discovery, exploration, and structure, we offer a unique and enriching Preschool experience with an emphasis on hands on learning. In utilizing a child centered approach, our students are encouraged to take charge of their own learning while gaining independence and autonomy.

Valuing safety, comfort, and individuality, our students are free to be themselves, take risks, and appropriately express their emotions in stimulating and high-quality environments.

Celebrating diversity, traditions, and cultures, our program continuously works to build strong partnerships across campus as well as with our students and families.

Keystone Stars Accreditation

“By maintaining our Keystone Stars accreditation, we provide students with a balanced approach abiding by developmentally appropriate practice. Doing what is best for children while offering a nurturing environment is what drives our teachers and staff at the WCDC to provide exemplary care to our families and students. Ensuring all students and families are heard and valued by following the Keystone Stars performance standards, allows us to foster a loving and motivating school community in which students look forward to coming to!”

-Alicia Vaux, Director

Visit education.pa.gov to learn more about the Keystone Stars program.