The primary purpose of the Child & Family Development Center (CFDC) on the campus of San Juan College (SJC) is to serve as a laboratory school for early childhood, nursing, psychology, dental and sociology students at the College. Practicum students in early childhood education courses are part of the Center staff each semester. They are supervised by qualified teachers to plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities for young children.

The secondary purpose of the CFDC is to provide child care and early education services. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation recognizes programs that comply with nationally recognized criteria for high-quality early childhood programs. The CFDC is licensed by the State of New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department.