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.
Our staff
Denise D. Curwick
Executive Director /Owner/Proprietor
Denise@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.
Sarah Jourdan
Assistant Director
Sarah Jourdan is our Assistant Director. She taught in the Toddler class for two years before taking over this position. Since then, she has earned her CDA with a concentration in Infant/Toddler and is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
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 Hayes
Teddy Bear Teacher
Ms.Betty H. has worked at Southside for over 15 years. She earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education from Southern University in 1986. Ms.Betty's favorite hobby is fishing.She loves teaching the Teddy Bears and watching them grow.
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 and pursuing her CDA with a concentration in Infant/Toddler. 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 many years of experience. Ms. Betty loves being with her family and grandchildren.
Debbie Shaffett
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Debbie joined Southside in 1994. She began at Southside as the Older Infant Teacher. In the year 2000, she became the Toddler Teacher. In 2005, she was promoted into the Assistant Director position. She has recently rejoined the Toddler classroom.Ms. Debbie earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) back in 1998. She has since renewed it. Ms. Debbie recently earned an Administrator Credential through the NCCA (National Child Care Association). She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management.
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 three years and is pursuing her CDA with a concentration in Infant/Toddler. Mrs. Shirmelle will nurture your Older Infant while fostering their independence.
Tina Gusman
Nursery Teacher
Ms. Tina has been a part of the Southside family for almost two years. While working at Southside, she has completed the CDA certification process along with all state required coursework in order to provide the best care for your children.
