University Child Development Center

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A true hidden gem — don’t overlook Woods. We’ve tried multiple daycares, and the moment we walked into Woods Montessori, we knew it was different. It may not be the flashiest school, but it excels where it matters most: safety, emotional development, real-life skills, and a true sense of community. Why Woods stands out compared to traditional daycare: • Calm, nurturing classrooms — never chaotic • Montessori philosophy that builds independence, confidence, grace & courtesy • Teachers are guides — not drill sergeants or babysitters • Children learn emotional regulation & real-life skills (pouring, cleaning, sharing, problem-solving) • Low ratios and meaningful one-on-one time • Leadership that supports teacher retention and growth • Strong, welcoming parent involvement (formal PA/ambassador program) Kids even get the opportunity to engage in extracurriculars during the school day — my kids enjoy music, theater (they even put on plays!), tennis, soccer, and gym sports — rare offerings at this age. Leadership & Teachers Head of School Ms. Nikole, Assistant Head Celena, and Juliet are warm, communicative, and truly invested in each child. Woods not only finds amazing teachers — they keep them. That continuity matters. • Infants/NIDO: Calm, clean, nurturing. Ms. Isabel has a magic touch — newborn families will feel safe here. • Children’s House (3yo): Ms. Aura & Ms. Andrea are patient, loving, and gifted at emotional coaching and transitions. • Toddler Spanish Immersion (2yo): Ms. Carmen & Ms. Christina are unbelievably nurturing — patient, kind, and truly second moms to our son. Montessori vs Daycare — Our Outcome At past daycares, children were supervised. At Woods, they are guided to become independent, confident, emotionally aware, and kind human beings. The growth in communication, independence, and confidence is noticeable every single day. There’s nothing wrong with other great local programs like Davidson Day, Forestal, Community School of Davidson, Cadence, or Goddard. But don’t overlook Woods — it is a true hidden gem. This is a school that protects childhood, builds real-world skills, and feels like family. If you’re touring or expecting a baby, make sure Woods is on your list.

• Price assessment: Reasonable price
• Services: Educational services, Rest period regulation

Our son is at UCDC @ Northcross through the Pre-K program and attends their wrap around after school care program. He has been thriving and learning so much! He talks about his teacher all weekend long and can’t wait to see her again by Monday. Ms. Forney is always present and cares deeply about the children and the programs they offer.

• Services: Meal preparation, Field trips, Educational services

All the teachers and staff are amazing with the kids. They really care about them and want them to succeed. The director loves the kids and works with the staff and children to make sure they are always taken care of have have the best possible. They have amazing reading programs for families to make reading a priority to the kids. They really care about the kids and it’s not just business to them. There needs to be more centers like this. I would recommend all parents to check this place out.

• Price assessment: Reasonable price
• Services: Meal preparation, Homework assistance, Educational services

The pre k teachers are fabulous

We love University CDC! We’ve been attending for a couple of months now, and both my preschooler and toddler are thriving. The teachers are wonderful—my kids come home every day excited to share the activities they did, and I’m constantly impressed by all the creative art projects they bring home. It’s clear the teachers take time to truly get to know each child and plan meaningful, engaging activities. 💕 The director is very approachable and hands-on, both in the classrooms and with parents. Even the kitchen staff know who my kids are, which makes the whole school feel like a close-knit, caring community. The tenure of the staff is also telling—it’s clear that the teachers and administrators genuinely enjoy what they do and care deeply about the families they serve. The building itself is a bit older, and honestly, that gave me some hesitation at first. However, the staff does an amazing job making the most of it. They fill the space with the children’s artwork and decorate with fun, seasonal themes, creating a warm and welcoming environment. It’s hard to find childcare you can truly trust, but I feel confident and at peace knowing my kids are happy, loved, and well cared for at University CDC.

This daycare is absolutely amazing they are so caring and loving to my son. Highly recommend!

Our daughter attended here briefly while we waited on the spot at her more permanent daycare to open up, and we were pleased with the level of care she received. Ms. Fornay was a pleasure to work with and you can tell she truly cares about the children that attend. Ms. Megan in the infant room was wonderful and took such good care of our baby; provided updates on her throughout the day. A safe, trusted space where they will love and care for your child(ren).

My boys (6m and 2y) just recently started going to the child development center and we could not be more impressed with our switch! My 6m old only cares about playing and eating so i knew he would be okay. I was most worried about my toddler and there was no reason to be worried. He of course had a hard time when we first arrived, however, after 15 minutes, he was ready to play with his teacher and didn’t even realize that i had left. Every day after, he has been excited to be at school and is always asking for Mrs Francis. Shout out to the director Ms Forney for being absolutely incredible and the infant room as well!! We LOVE the university CDC!

My son just started here and we absolutely love it. The teachers and staff are so caring and loving. Ms.Forney treats him as if he was her own. I love that I can trust this daycare. Highly recommend 🤗

The team of professional child care providers at UCDC Huntersville are the best! They have tended to my grandson since he was 6 months old. They are so loving and committed to his development exceeding all expectations. The true measure is his love of the staff and joy of being there. Highly recommend!