Welcome to CDI

Questions and Answers About Child Development Incorporated

 

What is Child Development Incorporated?

CDI is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing the children of working parents with outstanding, nurturing, school preparatory early childhood education that readies them for success in Madison Public Schools and their lives.

 

Why is CDI’s mission important?

Numerous recent national, state, and local studies are unanimous in indicating that early childhood education is absolutely vital to children’s success not just in school but in all aspects of life. Simply put, early childhood education is the difference between a child becoming an asset or a detriment to society. This is particularly true for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who represent more than 90% of CDI’s population.

 

How does CDI differ from similar federally funded programs?

CDI shares the mission and goals of these federal programs. Unfortunately, requirements for entry into Head Start and similar programs are very strict, and enrollment in them is limited. This means many children are not served and remain at risk.

 

How is CDI unique among preschool childcare providers in Madison?

As a non-profit, CDI has the freedom to put children’s needs first. Although the majority of our clientele are working poor, students receive the kind of care and attention traditionally reserved for privileged children.

  • CDI features much smaller class sizes and lower teacher to student ratios than the majority of similar facilities.
  • Learning plans are tailored to the individual child, and teachers also work with outside experts and support staff for children with special needs.
  • Just as CDI is child-centered, it is uniquely teacher centered. The organization gives teachers a minimum of two hours per week out of classroom time devoted to curriculum development and planning.
  • Staff and administration work one-on-one with students. parents, involving them in classroom life and educating them to be advocates for their children’s education.
  • CDI is a community-based preschool that embraces the culture of the unique communities it serves.
  • CDI provides a quality learning environment where children from all socio-economic groups come together for a life enhancing learning experience.

 


How does CDI prepare children for success in kindergarten and lifelong learning?

  • CDI applies a specific curriculum that uses skills and learning milestones by age and individual skill level.
  • CDI operates on a standards-based program that assesses student progress on standards established by the Madison Metropolitan School District and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
  • CDI is expanding its assessment portfolio by replicating the MMSD kindergarten screening tool and using that as a resource for lesson planning at the preschool level as well as using more on-going anecdotal recordkeeping at all age levels.
  • Staff meet with parents, identify service needs, and help each child excel in and adapt to functioning in a learning environment.
  • CDI’s curriculum employs a wide variety of learning and play activities as well as rich language development.
  • CDI is part of the Preschools of Hope program.
  • CDI integrates the skills of VISTA mathematics and literacy volunteers as well as other community volunteers into its educational environment.

 

How does CDI contribute to the community?

  • For more than 40 years, CDI has been a presence in the South Madison community. More recently, it has become part of the near east side community.
  • At both sites, CDI actively seeks out and develops partnerships with organizations and agencies within those communities.
  • Our South side site has provided free meeting space for many organizations that serve children and families, including Family Enhancement, Dane County Visiting Nurses, Department of Public Health and University of Wisconsin Extension.
  • By helping children become secure, confident, well-prepared students, CDI gives them a boost when they enter school, reducing the chances of failure, delinquency, and crime.