Welcome
to the Child Development Center at Jax State
It's our favorite time of the year - BACK TO SCHOOL!
We are so excited to have both our familiar faces and our new students with us for another exciting year at the Child Development Center. Our CDC Orientation and "Meet the Teacher" event will take place on August 5th, beginning at 2pm. We hope to see you all there!
Mrs. Amy Crotts - Program Director
I am honored to serve as the Director of the Jacksonville State University Child Development Center, a role I have held since October 2024. With over 23 years of experience in early childhood education, my journey has been guided by a passion for nurturing young learners and supporting their developmental milestones through meaningful, engaging experiences.
Before joining the team at Jax State, I served as the Director of Aftercare and the Summer Camp Program in St. Clair County, where I worked closely with children, families, and educators to create enriching environments that support whole-child development. My educational philosophy centers on the belief that play-based learning is fundamental to cognitive, social, and emotional growth. I also deeply value the role of parents as partners in a child’s learning journey and am committed to scaffolding each child’s growth with care, respect, and intentionality.
In addition to my work with children and families, I am devoted to mentoring teachers and lab students, challenging them to embrace higher expectations and strive for excellence in their practice. I view the Child Development Center not only as a nurturing space for children but also as a dynamic learning environment for emerging educators. I am excited to continue this journey with our team and community, working together to support and inspire the next generation.
I look forward to building strong relationships with families, staff, and the community as we continue to provide a warm, supportive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children in our care.
Mrs. Nikki Valencia - Assistant Director
Welcome to the Jacksonville State University Child Development Center!
It is a true privilege to introduce myself as your Assistant Director. I am honored to step into this role and continue my journey with the CDC community—a place that has become like a second home to me over the past four years. During my time here, I served as a Lead Teacher for three years before transitioning into this new leadership role.
With over 12 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, I remain deeply committed to creating nurturing, enriching environments where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. I believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and play-based learning to support children’s development and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
I look forward to partnering with you and supporting your child’s growth throughout the year. Thank you for trusting us with the important job of caring for and educating your little ones. It’s going to be a wonderful year, and I’m so excited to be part of it.
Ms. Annaleigh Harris - Administrative Assistant
Hello! My name is Annaleigh Harris and I am the Administrative Assistant for the CDC. I am a native of Talladega County, and earned my Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Jacksonville State University. I have been on the Jax State campus for the last 20 years, but this will be my second year with our outstanding Child Development Center. It’s going to be a GREAT school year!
Mrs. Linda Williams - Infant Lead
Hi, my name is Linda Williams. I've worked in childcare for over 20 years with the military and civilians. I have 7 children. I enjoy working with the infants as they grow and develop. As a childcare provider, I enjoy reading and doing activities that will help them develop gross motor and fine motor skills. I also enjoy talking and singing with infants to help with their communication skills. I am looking forward to having a good year.
Mrs. Lori McFall - Infant Auxiliary
I have worked in Athletics at Jax State for 15 years and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with children again. My experience includes daycare (infants and toddlers), church nursery, substitute teaching (K–12), and currently volunteering with 3 and 4-year-olds at church. Teaching is my passion, and I cannot wait to care for your little ones and help them learn and grow.
Mrs. Autumn Smith - Ones Lead
Hi! I'm Autumn Smith, and I am the lead One year old teacher. I am happily married to my college sweetheart, Austin.
Together we welcomed a beautiful little girl in 2023!
I have been in childcare for 10 years and worked some with special needs children
Mrs. Amie Pugh - Ones Auxiliary
The CDC welcomes Mrs. Amie Pugh as our new auxiliary teacher in the Ones! She will begin with us in August.
Ms. Hannah Massey - Twos Lead
Ms. Sydney Carroll - Twos Auxiliary
The CDC welcomes Ms. Sydney Caroll as our new auxiliary teacher in the Twos! She will begin with us in August.
Mrs. Heather Smith - Threes Lead
Hello I'm Mrs. Heather. I have been in child care for 16 years. I live in Alexandria with my husband Greg and our children John David and Grace Anne. I have been working for the CDC since we opened, where I started as the lead in the infant class. I'm excited to be working with all my new friends in the 3's class!
Mrs. Emily Walls - Threes Auxiliary
Ms. Brittany Craig - PreK 1 Lead
I am super excited to be teaching at JSU CDC! I have been teaching for sixteen years. I am a fur mom to six dogs. I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and plan to pursue a Masters Degree soon.
Ms. LaShai Hixon - PreK 1 Auxiliary
I have my associate degree in child development and K-6 education from Northeast Alabama Community College. I have two kids of my own, a daughter who is eight and a son who is two. I have always had a love for children and watching them learn and grow through play. My favorite children's book is Hungry Caterpillar. I have worked in a daycare setting and around children for the last two years and I have always helped with children's groups at church. I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work here at Jax State. I look forward to being a part of your child's life and working together to ensure their safety and well-being while in my care.
Mrs. Kelsey Sims - PreK 2 Lead
Hello! I am Kelsey Sims, and I am excited to be your child’s PreK teacher this year! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from The University of Alabama and will be graduating with my Masters in Early Childhood Education this December. This will be my seventh year teaching PreK and my eighth year teaching early childhood education. I cannot wait to get to know your little learners and help them grow throughout this exciting year!
Mrs. Courtney Rich - PreK 2 Auxiliary
Hey, my name is Courtney Rich. I graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Child Development. I have been working with young children for several years. This is my fourth year as a Pre-K teacher at the JSU Child Development Center. It is such a joy to watch young children learn and grow within the classroom. I am so excited to be your child's teacher. Let's have a great year in Pre-K!
Ms. Jasmine Prater - PreK 3 Lead
Hello! My name is Jasmine Prater, and I am the Lead PreK Teacher for PreK 3. I am excited to be your child’s teacher this year! This is my third year teaching at the Jax State CDC. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Early Childhood Education at JSU, and I am scheduled to graduate in December. I look forward to meeting everyone and having a fantastic year together!
Mrs. Ty Coleman - PreK 3 Auxiliary
My name is Tyonja Coleman! I have worked in Early Childhood field for fourteen years! I am currently attending JSU to complete my degree Early Childhood Development, within Family and Consumer Sciences. Working with children is my passion and I am so excited to continue my career here at JSU!
REMINDER
Parents - the CDC has implemented a $150 registration fee this year. All payments must be made by September 15th.
Jax State Homecoming
Always a big hit around the CDC, Jax State's Homecoming will be Saturday, September 20th!
Our littles enjoy a full week of "dress up" days combined with the Homecoming Parade on Saturday. Go Gamecocks!
Halloween Trunk-or-Treat
Our LARGEST event of the year, the Child Development Center partners with various campus department and organizations to bring our yearly Trunk-or-Treat!! This fun just can't be beat!
The Scholastic Book Fair
The Child Development Center is proud to welcome the Scholastic Book Fair BACK this year! Our Book Fair will be open February 2nd through February 6th - start saving those pennies!