About Us
Southside Child Development Center was founded in 1992 with the sole purpose of providing high quality child care for families in the Baton Rouge community and surrounding areas. One year after we opened our doors, we received the letter from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), stating that we earned National Accreditation. Southside has brought Nationally Accreditted childcare to Baton Rouge. Southside has approximately 70 children enrolled. It is classified as a medium size child care center.
Denise D. Curwick
Executive Director /Owner/Proprietor
Info@southsidechild.com
Ms. Curwick graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981 from Louisiana State University. She taught middle school and high school science students for 10 years. In 1989, Ms. Curwick earned a Masters of Education from Louisiana State University. In 1993 she was recognized as a nominee for Women Of Achievement award sponsored by the YMCA. In 1995 Ms. Curwick earned a place in the Who's Who of American Teachers. In 1998 she earned the Working Woman of the Day award sponsored by 96.1,The River, radio station. She is certified by the Louisiana State Department of Education as a Secondary Science Teacher and a Secondary School Principal. In 1997 she was appointed by Governor Foster as a member on the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program Advisory Council; she accepted reappointment to this position by Governor Blanco. Ms. Curwick is a Comprehensive Affiliate Member of the NAEYC. She brought Nationally Accreditted childcare to Baton Rouge.
Laura Schulze
Assistant Director
Laura Schulze is our Assistant Director. She has obtained a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is a certified teacher in the state of Louisiana. She has experience working with NAEYC as an officer of the LSU branch, as well as being a member of the professional math teachers organization NCTM. She looks forward to working with the Pre-k children giving daily 1-on-1 guidance and learning time.
Ronell Lenoir
Chef
Mr. Ronell began cooking in 1978. He graduated from the Louisiana Culinary Institution in 1984. He worked at three fine dining restaurants before beginning his employment at Southside. Mr. Ronell has earned recognition for his work by receiving numerous medals from the Culinary Classic of Louisiana. He has appeared on Daybreak, a Channel 9 morning show, four times. Mr. Ronell was a 6 time visitor of The Culinary Corner. He was Chef of the Month three times; and featured in the In Register Magazine in 1997. In 1998, one of Mr. Ronell's recipes was featured in the Catholic Diocese Magazine. He was also a participant in Hollydays in 1996 through 1998. Mr. Ronell has been a Chef at Southside since April of 1998. He enjoys working at Southside because he loves the challenge of getting young children to eat good, nutritional food.
Betty Carter
Tiger Teacher
Ms. Betty began teaching when the center opened in 1992 as the Pre-k teacher. She is currently guiding our Tiger Class. She loves working with children and guiding them through learning activities and play. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Alcorn University and a CDA with a concentration in Infant and Toddler as well as many years of experience. Ms. Betty loves being with her family and grandchildren.
Deborah Shaffet
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Debbie is the teacher in the Toddler's class. She has been at Southside for 17 years. She has earned a CDA, Bachelor's in Business Managment, and a "Teacher 3" in Pathways for QRS. She enjoys working in the Toddler class because the children are beginning to talk, become social, and are very lovable.
Shirmelle Boyd
Older Infant Teacher
Ms. Shirmelle is a loving and caring person and understands the needs of infants. She has been a part of Southside for 5 years and has obtained a CDA with a concentration in Infant/Toddler. Mrs. Shirmelle will nurture your Older Infant while fostering their independence.
Velma Potier
Nursery Teacher
Mrs. Velma Potier is our Nursery teacher. She has been at Southside for a year now. She has an Associate's degree in Care and Development of Young Children. She is currently a member of NAEYC and CCAL. She has sever years of experience working with young children. She cannot wait to meet your little ones and have many fun filled days!
Shelly Voltz
Teddy Bear Teacher
Ms. Shelly is the teacher in the Teddy Bear classroom. She has recently graduated from LSU with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, and received a Louisiana Teaching Certificate. Ms. Shelly says that her favorite part of working in the classroom is facilitating learning through play.
Vicki Hilliard
Older Infant Assistant Teacher
Ms. Vicki has been a member of the Southside family for 12 years. She has obtained her CDA. She enjoys singing and reading books to children.
Marilyn Smith
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Marilyn has been at Southside for over a year with the broad spectrum of all ages enrolled at Southside. She has her Bachelor's degree and has completed more than 30 graduate hours in Elementary Education. She also has experience working in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system for seven years, three of which have been spent as a pre-kindergarten teacher.
Ciera Spriggs
Tiger Assistant Teacher
Ms. Ciera is our Tiger Assistant Teacher. She has five years of childcare experience and is currently working on her BA in child psychology. She enjoys reading books and singing songs to all ages.
