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A Place For Children to Grow
A Place for Children to Grow The Story of the Child Development Center
Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
This sentiment certainly holds true for Ponca City and the generations of committed citizens who have affected so much change and progress in our community with our very own Child Development Center.
This story of thoughtfulness and commitment goes back to 1966 when members of the United Church Women organization did a survey in Ponca City and surrounding communities to determine if there was a need for income-based childcare in our area. Of the many families surveyed, 78 reported that they could indeed utilize childcare that was based on a sliding pay scale. Because of the care of those women, the Child Development Center opened on Monday, Jan. 16, 1967. They had five students enrolled on the first day and quickly grew to serve 30 children.
One of the goals of the United Church Women was to create a daycare for children with working parents. From the outset, their hours were 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in order to accommodate working schedules. The women wanted a place where the kids could spend the day receiving care and instruction in order to prepare them for the school years ahead. Today, the mission of the Child Development Center is “to provide affordable, high-quality preschool childcare in a nurturing, secure environment. This program emphasizes life skills and school readiness through creative ‘hands and minds’ on learning experiences and development of language skills that encourage spiritual, physical, emotional and social growth.” The Center is
licensed to serve up to 110 children. They currently have 85 children enrolled, from infant age to four years old. Prior to COVID-19, enrollment was a bit higher at 103 children.
Originally, the CDC was housed in the First Christian Church Activity Center and moved to various sites See CHILDREN Continued on page 33
CHILDREN Continued from page 30 over the years. They moved to their current location at 702 E. Grand Avenue in 2012, another act that took thoughtfulness, care and commitment from our community. This final move was spearheaded by Fred Boettcher and involved the City of Ponca City gifting the former YMCA property to the Child Development Center. Many individuals helped with the fundraising, planning and organization of the move in order to make the property what it is today.
The Child Development Center differs from most childcare programs in our area in that it was begun as a nonprofit in order to help families that couldn’t afford childcare on their own. In the beginning, families were charged a fee for tuition which was supplemented by fundraisers held by the United Church Women group. Early fundraisers included garage sales, antique shows, food sales and even pageants.
Today, the Center serves 90% low- to moderateincome families with tuitions based on a sliding scale determined by income. The facility is funded by various state and federal programs, annual fundraisers, individual donations and support from several local churches. Due to the generosity of our community, they are able to provide a limited number of scholarships each year as well.
The Center is truly more than just a daycare. They pride themselves on being the only outcomebased facility in Ponca City, according to current Director Mary Beth Hunt. They provide health screenings annually, as well as social, emotional and developmental screenings to children in the program. Various outcome-based activities include the Family Reading program, Character Building, Critter Characters and Bucket Filling. Nutrition is also important to Center staff. The Child Development Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This federal program reimburses the Center for a portion of their food costs annually as long as guidelines ensuring proper child nutrition are met.
As well as Director Mary Beth Hunt, the Center has 23 additional staff members, including teachers, kitchen staff and administrative staff. The CDC works with NOC to help secure scholarships for any employees who wish to further their education in childcare. Training was important to the founders of the Center as well. Upon opening in 1967, training sessions were held for employees and volunteers alike and taught by an instructor with a Master’s in Child Development and Preschool Education. Previous Directors of the CDC include Betty Snyder (1967-76), Nina Jean Cox (1976-77), Liz Stewart (1977-80), Diana Porter (1980-91), Kim Jump (19912017) and Mary Beth Hunt (2017-present).
The Center is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community members as well as members from several local churches. Current Board members include President Brook Lindsay, Vice President Amy Swartz, Secretary Jen Miller, Treasurer Laura Peitz, Will Oldfield, Erica Fetters, Caitlyn Cline, Jenny Creech, Brandy Titus, Katie Goss, MaryAnn Holt, Sharla Lambring, Ila McKee, Carol Lynes, Michelle Bailey, Rena Burlie, Brooke Dyer, Casey VanHoesen and Joanna Robison. Board terms are three years in length, and Board members have the option of serving two consecutive terms.
The Center has some exciting things on the horizon under the leadership of current President Brook Lindsay. An important part of the CDC at its location on Grand Avenue has always been the outdoor play area on the west side of the property. Thanks to a grant from Phillips 66, and with Lindsay’s direction, the facility will soon install new playground equipment for both age groups. The new equipment is meant to complement the natural play environment already on-site.
The Board has a retreat planned for January when they plan to look at the Center’s goals and discuss ideas and strategies for the future. They will also be discussing current fundraisers and potential new fundraising opportunities for the Center. (Mac and Cheese Festival, anyone?)
While the Center has changed over the years, the overarching values that make the CDC what it is have not. They value quality childcare and education, available at a reasonable price, administered by well-trained individuals. Ensuring a bright future for the children in our community is at the heart of what the Child Development Center does each day at its daycare facility.
Playground equipment similar to what will be installed.
