Center for Early Childhood Education, Development, & Research

The Shaw University Center for Early Childhood Education, Development and Research (hereinafter referred to as “The Center”) is a 5-star center and operates under the auspices of the Shaw University Division of Academic Affairs and in conjunction with the Shaw University Department of Education. The Center is a research and teaching facility for Shaw students, faculty, and staff as well as a source of professional development for childcare providers, pre-and in-service teachers, and other professionals who work with young children and their families. The Center demonstrates excellence in implementing and supporting best practices in educating young children with early intervention services and other programs for children diagnosed with developmentally delayed or at risk for developmental delays. The Center operates two programs which serve as models for best practices in the education of young children from birth to kindergarten.

These programs are open to all children who reside in Wake County. Affiliation with Shaw University is not a prerequisite for admission to either program. Both programs serve typically and atypically developing children.

Resources

Web Portal for Families

The mission of the Infant/Toddler and Preschool Programs is to provide a safe and caring environment that nurtures optimum growth in children from birth to kindergarten.

The staff, administrators, advisors and board of the Infant/Toddler and Preschool programs believe that children develop to their highest potential in a nurturing atmosphere which fosters mutual respect, and which appreciates the unique qualities inherent in each child.

Individual, small group and large group learning facilitates physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. Learning through play, exploration of the environment and interaction with others are also essential components of this development. Creative Curriculum, North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, and Teaching Strategies Gold and Objectives supports children’s learning activities as they participate in both child-selected and adult-initiated experiences as they progress at their own pace.

To function successfully in the “global village” of the 21^st century, children must learn to appreciate the values of diversity, acceptance, and inclusion; and to be responsible for their own behaviors. Social and emotional skills are to promote positive guidance. Parents and guardians are essential partners in the educational process.

The Center participates in the Foster Grandparent Program sponsored by the City of Raleigh. The grandparents provide twenty volunteer service hours weekly to support children with developmental delays. The foster grandparents bring extra love and attention to our Center. Without our grandparents is like a day without sunshine.

Freida Dixon serves as the Director for Shaw University Center for Early Childhood Education, Development and Research. The Center collaborates with various programs to ensure services are to children of low-income families. During her tenure at the Head Start program in Martin, Pitt, and Beaufort counties, Ms. Dixon served 547 children as a Child Development Specialist and Education/Staff Development Specialist. She is presently a Mother Read Inc. Facilitator and Brigance Assessor.

Ms. Dixon’s career spans over more than thirty plus years working with children and families. She has served as a teacher and as an adjunct instructor for Mount Olive College for six years.

• AAS in Early Childhood Education, Pitt Community College, 1992
• Child Development Associate Certification, North Carolina Central University, 1996
• BA in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education/Business Management), Shaw University, 2001
• MA in Elementary Education with minor Early Childhood Education, North Carolina Central University, 2005
• Ed.S. in Education Specialist, North Central University, 2017

Freida Dixon, Director
fdixon@shawu.edu
(919) 278-2675

Physical Location
317 E Lenoir Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 546-8365