Our Milestones Through the Years
1991 – The Journey Begins
Our story starts in the summer of 1991, when Danyel Parker moved to Veneta, Oregon, with her family. She graduated from Elmira High School and quickly felt a deep connection to the Fern Ridge community. From a young age, Danyel knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. That passion led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education, which she earned in 1995
After graduation, Danyel began her career as a preschool teacher. Those early years in the classroom shaped her understanding of how children learn best—through love, patience, and hands-on experiences. The dream of one day opening her own child development center was already taking root.
2006 – Opening Our Doors
After starting a family with her husband and raising their three boys, Danyel recognized a growing need for quality early education in her hometown. Local families were searching for a safe, reliable place where their children could learn, play, and grow close to home.
In May 2006, that dream became reality when Fernridge Child Development Center opened its doors with just three classrooms. The goal was simple—to create a warm, family-like environment where every child was treated as an individual. From day one, Fernridge CDC became a trusted part of the community, known for its nurturing teachers and play-based philosophy.
2010–2016 – Growing With Our Community
As more families discovered Fernridge CDC, the demand for care and education grew rapidly. During this period, Danyel and her team expanded their classrooms, hired passionate educators, and built a reputation for quality and consistency.
The center became more than just a school—it became a second home for children and a source of support for parents. Many of the same families who started with the center in its early days continued to stay for years, watching their little ones grow from infants to confident kindergartners.
2017 – Expansion to Fernridge Kids Club
By 2017, Fernridge CDC was ready to take the next step. With more children graduating from the preschool and moving into elementary school, Danyel saw the need for continued care beyond preschool hours.
That year, she launched Fernridge Kids Club, an after-school program located in Elmira, Oregon. The program quickly became a beloved part of the community, offering a safe, enriching space for children to do homework, play, and relax after school.
2020 – Serving Families Through Uncertain Times
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many centers were forced to close—but Fernridge CDC remained open to serve the families who needed them most. Throughout the challenges of 2020, Danyel and her team worked tirelessly to maintain safety, consistency, and care for every child.
By adapting classrooms, increasing cleaning protocols, and supporting working parents, Fernridge CDC became a steady anchor for the community. This period reinforced the center’s mission: to always be there for families—through good times and hard times alike.
2023 – Recognition for Excellence
In 2023, Fernridge Child Development Center proudly earned a 3-Star SPARK rating, a prestigious recognition for quality and commitment in Oregon’s early education system.
This milestone reflected nearly two decades of dedication—years of hard work, compassionate teaching, and investment in every child’s success. Today, the center continues to grow and evolve while staying true to its family-owned roots and community-first values.
Growing Lifelong Learners, One Child at a Time
At Fernridge CDC, our mission is to provide a high-quality, developmental program that meets the needs of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. We believe every child is unique and deserves an individualized approach to learning.
Our play-based curriculum encourages exploration, problem-solving, and creativity. Teachers build close relationships with every child, creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Our ultimate goal is to help each child develop the confidence and skills to become a lifelong learner and a kind, capable citizen.
Explore Our ProgramsProudly Part of the Fern Ridge Family
For nearly 20 years, Fernridge Child Development Center has been deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Danyel and her family have spent years coaching youth sports, supporting local schools, and serving on parent-teacher associations—all while raising their own children in Veneta.
This community connection is what makes Fernridge CDC special. Families aren’t just clients—they’re neighbors, friends, and partners in helping children grow.
Come See Why Families Love Fernridge CDC
Schedule a tour today and experience the warmth, learning, and care that have defined Fernridge for nearly two decades.
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