The W Child and Parent Development Center Lab School + Early Childhood Hub

05/11/2026

A huge THANK YOU to the sponsors who helped make CHEER Conference truly out of this world!

From donations and door prizes to food and support every step of the way, you helped create a space full of connection, learning, laughter, and fun for our attendees.

We’re so grateful for the businesses and community partners in Columbus-Lowndes who believe in this work and showed up in such a big way. 💫

05/11/2026

DO YOU WANT SOME CUTENESS? A perfect post for Mother's Day!

The W’s Child & Parent Development Center is proud to partner with the university art gallery for A Child’s View. This special exhibit highlights children’s artwork and reminds us that creativity in early childhood is so much more than play. Through art, children build confidence, communication skills, fine motor development, and important pre-writing foundations.

We love seeing the creativity and imagination of some of our tiniest university community members celebrated in such a meaningful way across campus. 🌟 Bring your moms and grands and come explore the CUTENESS OVERLOAD!

🖼 A Child’s View
📅 May 11–20
🎉 Grand Opening: Monday, May 11, from 5–7 PM at the gallery

There will also be a silent auction at the gallery, with proceeds supporting updates to CPDC outdoor learning spaces. 🌿

05/08/2026

Love little learners, big energy, and making learning FUN? 💙✨ The W’s Child & Parent Development Center is hiring a teacher for our twos classroom! We’re looking for someone energetic, creative, and excited to help young children learn and grow every day. 🌟

Come be a part of early learning that started on this campus in 1929 at one of the South’s longest-standing early childhood lab schools! Help shape the next generation while working in a program with a rich history of supporting children, families, and future educators.

✔️ State benefits
✔️ Insurance
✔️ Supportive team environment
✔️ Meaningful work that matters

Apply here: https://muw.peopleadmin.com/postings/6891

Have a child and need the wait list? https://www.muw.edu/education/cpdc/waitlist/

05/05/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! 🍎

For over 140 years, The W has trained incredible teachers.

Our campus is home to some incredible faculty and instructors who are teaching, mentoring, and shaping future educators every single day. That work does not stay here. It shows up in classrooms across our communities through the students they prepare.

To those teaching at The W and to those out in schools doing the work, thank you. What you do matters. 💙

04/15/2026

2026 CHEER Conference Guest Speaker Announcement!

We’re excited to welcome Excel By 5 Executive Director, Heather Martin, to CHEER 2026! 🌟

With nearly 20 years in early childhood education, she’s helping communities shine brighter across Mississippi.

We're just three days away from CHEER 2026, and you won’t want to miss hearing from her among the stars!✨🚀

04/14/2026

It’s CHEER TIME Y’ALL! GET READY!

When childcare is not available, parents cannot go to work. Early childhood educators make it possible for families to participate in the workforce.

04/14/2026

We’re over the moon to welcome Educare Mississippi back to CHEER 2026! 🌙✨

They’re bringing powerful tools and opportunities to support educators across the state—and we’re so glad they’re part of this galaxy again 🚀

Get excited… the best day in the galaxy is almost here!

04/12/2026

You’ve heard the name—now meet Mackenzie Pearce at CHEER 2026! ✨

With a passion for people and community, she brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does!💫

She can’t wait to meet you among the stars at CHEER 2026!

04/10/2026

2026 CHEER Conference Guest Speaker Announcement!!

No stranger to CHEER—we’re so excited to welcome CES's own Penny Mansell as a guest speaker! 🌙✨

A true changemaker in early childhood, Penny is ready to share ideas that make a real impact.

Get ready to learn, connect, and be inspired—CHEER 2026 is going to be out of this world!

04/09/2026

Get ready for liftoff at CHEER: meet our 2026 Keynotes!🚀

We’re thrilled to welcome our keynote speakers, Chris & Barbara Smith, all the way from Chicago, Illinois, to CHEER 2026! 🌟

Their work focuses on building team culture, improving communication, and creating systems that actually work for people. They’re bringing energy, real talk, and tools you can actually use—this is one keynote you don’t want to miss ✨

Stay tuned to meet the others who will join Drs. Chris and Barbara at CHEER 2026!