Be the spark that lights a child’s future
Children are curious, energetic, and full of potential—and they need someone who can match their enthusiasm while guiding their growth. Helping them thrive requires a mix of compassion, creativity, and expertise. That’s where you come in.
Our Childhood Development program is designed to empower you with the skills and expertise needed to create healthy, safe and enriching environments for children. Our experienced instructors bring real-world knowledge and a passion for teaching to help you succeed in this rewarding field. Earn your certificate, diploma or degree on your schedule with these online, stackable programs.
Children represent the promise of a brighter future. With your dedication and the training you’ll receive at CLC, you can play a pivotal role in shaping that future. Start your journey today and become the leader these little ones need.
Location: Brainerd Campus
Fast Facts
CLC’s Early Childhood Education certificate meets current standards for step 7 on the Achieve, MN Center for Professional Development career lattice. Our diploma meets step 8 and the AAS degree meets step 9.
Students will apply child development theory and developmentally appropriate practice using reflective, diverse, teaching and guidance strategies that address the needs of children, families, and communities.
CLC is a member of E-LECT (e-learning for early childhood teachers), which offers an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) and associate of science pathway (A.S.P.) degree online.

Learn on your schedule with this flexible online program.
US Annual Job Openings 61,400
Currently Employed
528,500

The CLC Promise
Central Lakes College promises to provide you with an extraordinary education
that is affordable, accessible and enhances quality of your life.
Program Instructors
Photo | First Name | Last Name | Position | Department | Phone | Alt. Phone: | URL | wdt_ID | Details | |
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Aubrey | Beadell | Advisor | TRIOStudentSupportServices | (218) 855-8014 | aubrey.beadell@clcmn.edu | 1 | More details | ||
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Nick | O'Reilly | Occupational Skills Program College Lab Assistant | OccupationalSkills | 218-855-8077 | Nicholas.oreilly@clcmn.edu | 2 | More details | ||
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Kevin | Lomax | Automotive Lab Assistant | Automotive Faculty | 218-855-8000 | KLomax@clcmn.edu | 3 | More details | ||
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Jody | Flynn | Accessibility Services Assistant | Accessibility | 218-855-8056 | jody.flynn@clcmn.edu | 5 | More details | ||
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Deana | Bobzien | Instructor | CollegeCareerStudies - Mathematics - Supportive Services | 218-855-8339 | deana.bobzien@clcmn.edu | 7 | More details | ||
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Brianna | Rajkowski | Advisor | TRIOStudentSupportServices | 218-855-8228 | brianna.rajkowski@clcmn.edu | 8 | More details | ||
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Tajia | Anderson | PSEO Specialist | Admissions - CollegeCreditInHighSchool- PSEO | (218) 855-8079 | tajia.anderson@clcmn.edu | 10 | More details | ||
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David | Gray | Instructor | History | 218-855-8189 | david.gray@clcmn.edu | 14 | More details | ||
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Jim | Nagy | Adjunct Instructor | GraphicDesign | 218-855-8157 | james.nagy@clcmn.edu | 15 | More details | ||
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Brandon | Schneider | Instructor | HeavyEquipment | 218-894-5179 | brandon.schneider@clcmn.edu | 16 | More details | ||
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Natalia | DePauw | Director of Dual Enrollment | PSEO - CollegeCreditInHighSchool - Advising | 218-855-8263 | natalia.depauw@clcmn.edu | 18 | More details | ||
Amy | Disterhaupt | Admissions Specialist | Admissions | 218-855-8250 | amy.disterhaupt@clcmn.edu | 20 | More details | |||
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Nick | Heisserer | Dean of Brainerd Career & Technical Programs | Administration | 218-855-8067 | nick.heisserer@clcmn.edu | 21 | More details | ||
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Matthew | Krueger | Environmental Health and Safety Officer | Maintenance - Security - Safety | 218-855-8115 | matthew.krueger@clcmn.edu | 22 | More details | ||
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Mark | Lindquist | Instructor | Music | 218-855-8203 | mark.lindquist@clcmn.edu | 23 | More details | ||
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Jeremy | Goddard | Bookstore/Print Shop | Bookstore Supportive Services | 218-855-8146 | Jeremy.Goddard@clcmn.edu | 25 | More details | ||
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Sarah | Jennissen | Instructor | PracticalNursing | 218-894-5308 | sarah.jennissen@clcmn.edu | 26 | More details | ||
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Cash | Robinson | Academic Advisor | TRIOUpwardBound - Advising | 218-855-8035 | cash.robinson@clcmn.edu | 28 | More details | ||
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Ryan | Wright | Enrollment Representative | Admissions - CampusTours | 218-855-8013 | ryan.wright@clcmn.edu | 31 | More details | ||
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Steve | Wenzel | Instructor | PoliticalScience | 218-855-8073 | stephen.wenzel@clcmn.edu | 32 | More details | ||
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Julie | Woitalla | Instructor | NursingASDegree | 218-855-8168 | julie.woitalla@clcmn.edu | 33 | More details | ||
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Josh | Zaborowski | Upward Bound Advisor | TRIOUpwardBound - Assessment | 218-855-8032 | joshua.zaborowski@clcmn.edu | 35 | More details | ||
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Paul | Zimmerman | Instructor | Diesel Faculty | 218-894-5143 | paul.zimmerman@clcmn.edu | 36 | More details | ||
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Ed | Uhlenkamp | Instructor | FarmBusinessManagement | 218-894-5160 | edward.uhlenkamp@clcmn.edu | https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/ShowForm.aspx?RequestedDynamicFormTemplate=32c40b45-028c-46d6-9f79-9c1edc503713 | 38 | More details | |
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James | Velde | Instructor | FarmBusinessManagement | 218-234-3981 | james.velde@clcmn.edu | https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/ShowForm.aspx?RequestedDynamicFormTemplate=cff3bff4-005f-4f5c-82a8-4c6aed02c8e9 | 39 | More details |
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*Source: CareerOneStop – US Dept. of Labor