Melissa Hollingsworth, the director of Danville Area Community College’s Child Development Center, has a deep connection to the facility that goes back to her childhood. Having attended programs at the center as a child, she later volunteered there and eventually worked her way up to become the director. With her unique perspective, she understands the importance of finding sufficient staff and returning to full classrooms.
The Child Development Center is a state-licensed preschool program that serves children from 15 months to 12 years old. Currently, the center is licensed for 77 children but only has 36 enrolled during the school year. Due to staffing constraints and DCFS regulations, only two classrooms are open, despite having four available rooms. Each classroom is staffed by a head teacher and a teacher’s aide, with a maximum capacity of 50 children due to the director’s involvement in the classrooms.
One of the challenges facing the center is the difficulty in finding qualified staff, a problem exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector. The center’s commitment to quality childcare means that hiring standards are high, requiring staff to have an associate’s degree in early childhood education. This focus on quality has been a priority for the center, aligning with state programs like Accelerate Illinois that emphasize excellence in childcare services.
Looking to the future, Hollingsworth’s goal is to see the center operating at full capacity once again, serving the community and providing essential childcare services. She envisions expanding the playground and enhancing the learning environment for the children in their care. Despite the challenges, the center remains a vital resource for DACC students pursuing degrees in early childhood education, offering valuable hands-on experience and training opportunities.
Over the years, the center has evolved to incorporate new educational approaches, such as early literacy programs and a focus on holistic child development. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in health protocols and staffing requirements, presenting additional challenges for the center to navigate.
Hollingsworth’s personal connection to the center, growing up in Catlin and having her mother work there, adds a layer of nostalgia and dedication to her role as director. Her journey from a student to a teacher and now director reflects her commitment to the center’s mission and the impact it has had on her life. With a long history of serving the community and nurturing generations of children, the Child Development Center continues to be a cornerstone of early childhood education in Danville.
