About Us

The Joyce M. Huggins Early Education Center (Huggins Center) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is one of three centers operated by the Fresno State Programs for Children. Programs for Children is a comprehensive early care and education program that holds a 5 star rating from Fresno County's Early Stars.

The Huggins Center is conveniently located in the atrium of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development building with a vast outdoor space for children. The center includes the Marlene M. Fansler Infant and Toddler Program, the D. Paul Fansler Preschool and School Age Program, and the D. Paul Fansler Institute for the Leadership in Early Childhood Education. The infant through school age programs provide high quality education and childcare for children and their families. Throughout the year, the Institute for Leadership hosts workshops for local early childhood education professionals with the mission of advancing the knowledge and strengthening the early childhood education community.

Due to many years of generous support from the Fansler Foundation, the Huggins Center has continuously made significant achievements. These achievements directly benefit both socioeconomically disadvantaged and culturally diverse children who are infant through five years of age as well as children with special needs.

Partnership

The Huggins Center has a partnership with the Fresno Unified School District. Preschool children with special needs are enrolled in a demonstration “full-inclusion” preschool program here at the Huggins Center. 

History

The Huggins Center was named in honor of Dr. Joyce M. Huggins, a local professor, children’s advocate, and pioneer in early childhood education at the local, state, national and international levels. Read more about her life here.

“The passion she brought to campus laid the foundation for our innovative programs in early childhood education.” – John D. Welty

Tuition Information

Please refer to the Fresno State Programs for Children website for tuition information.

Contact Us

For questions about enrollment and waitlist details, call 559.278.0550 or email progforchild@mail.fresnostate.edu. 

Renee Benell
Associate Director, Programs for Children

Brittney S. Randolph
Director, Programs for Children

Pei-Ying Wu
Fansler Chair, Joyce M. Huggins Center