NORWAY – Jennifer Plourde, a native of the Lewiston-Auburn area, has joined the Child Health Center’s Auburn preschool as the head teacher.

Plourde first joined the Child Health Center in the fall of 2003 while completing an internship as part of her education at the University of Maine at Farmington. The internship was the final part of her course work and came as the preschool’s head teacher was preparing to leave after many years of service.

Plourde graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education, and a minor in psychology. Plourde is the first employee at the preschool to have the so-called “282 certification” for teachers of students with disabilities, allowing her to work with children who have special needs in the area of developmental therapy.

The Child Health Center is a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the health and well-being of children and their families.