KEMMERER — The Lincoln Uinta Child Development Association (LUCDA) in Kemmerer continues its mission of supporting young children and their families through high-quality early childhood education, special education services, and comprehensive family support programs.

Dedicated to “helping small hands do big things,” LUCDA fosters growth, learning, and development in children during their most formative years. The program is funded through both the Department of Education and the Department of Health, as well as the federal Head Start Program.

As Amy Schaffarzick, speech language pathologist at Kemmerer Child Development Center (KCDC), explained, they are state and federally funded.

Schaffarzick highlighted one of the center’s key strengths: early developmental screenings conducted in the fall by certified teachers.

“We take pride in our staff-to-student ratio,” she said. “Kids get lots of hands-on attention from the staff here.”

Children enrolled in the program undergo an initial screening process and are closely monitored through key developmental milestones. The organization emphasizes the critical importance of early intervention, particularly from birth to age five, when brain development, language acquisition, and social-emotional skills are rapidly forming.

LUCDA points to research showing how early services — such as speech and occupational therapy, as well as special education — can drastically improve long-term outcomes for children with developmental delays and disabilities. These services not only help children develop cognitive, motor, and social skills but also empower families to better support and advocate for their child’s unique needs.

By identifying developmental concerns early, LUCDA ensures children in the Head Start and preschool programs build a strong educational foundation. The school operates with a play-based philosophy, promoting curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning experiences.

Alongside early education, LUCDA provides individualized support through special education services tailored to diverse learning needs. The Kemmerer staff includes certified teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and special education teachers. A dedicated mental health team supports social-emotional well-being, and family resource specialists work to connect families with valuable tools and services.

Currently, the Kemmerer location serves 12 Head Start students.

“We want to teach kids that learning is fun,” Schaffarzick said, adding that their goal is to inspire a love for school early on.

LUCDA will hold its next developmental screening in Kemmerer on Aug. 6 and 7, from noon to 3 p.m. To schedule a screening or register for preschool, families can call the Kemmerer Child Development Center at 307-877-6984 or message KCDC on Facebook.

LUCDA, which also serves Evanston and the Bridger Valley, recently celebrated its 30th birthday.