Child Development Center

DACC Child Development Tour

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Child Development Center is:

  • To promote the social and educational growth of the child.
  • To aid in development of a sound self-concept.
  • To further growth in language skills.

At the Child Development Center, we believe that a good pre-school program is built on a foundation of sound human relationships.  In order for warmth and personal contact to flourish, our day is planned so there are many opportunities for one-to-one encounters.  We try to keep groups small and the ratio of adults to children as high as possible.  We provide occasions where the children move freely about, making personal choices and individual contacts.

We have designed our program to incorporate concepts of how young children learn as individuals and as group members.

  • We promote your child’s growth and development.
  • We utilize planned activities.
  • We incorporate learning through play.
  • We provide concerned attention and love, and enhance your child’s self-concept.

Progress reports will be sent home at the beginning of the Spring semester.  These reports are designed to keep you informed of your child(ren)’s progress at the Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit my child during the day?

Absolutely! Feel free to join your child at lunchtime, playtime - anytime!

Do the children go outside everyday?

The children go outside in all seasons as required by Illinois state licensing and as long as they will be safe; for example, if there is no lightning, the children all have appropriate clothing, the temperature is not extreme. We take into account many factors, not limited to but including the amount of sun exposure, the wind-chill factor or heat index and pollution index. We have an indoor large muscle activity area for those times when we cannot go outside.

How will I know what is happening during my child's day?

You are welcome to call or visit any time. The Toddler, Young Preschool and Preschool teachers describe each class's activities in their weekly newsletters.

Is there a Director on site?

Yes, DACC CDC Director is available to the staff and parents daily, and most importantly, the Director is on site to oversee the environment. The Director is not regularly scheduled in a classroom and therefore free to observe and mentor staff and to help create a safe age-appropriate learning experience for your child.

What security precautions are in place?

The Child Development Center has in place state of the art security which includes all doors with security systems, security cameras in all classrooms, and a computerized key entry system on the main entrance. On-site Security Personal are also on Campus and available.

2025-2026 Child Development Center Calendar

Dates are subject to change

 

2025

August 8th Last day for children who attend public school
August 13th - 15th Closed for In-Service
August 15th Open House
August 18th First Day of School
September 1st Closed for observance of Labor Day
October 3rd Fall Family Event (2:30 p.m.)
October 13th Closed for Columbus Day
October 31st School Spirit Parade
November 3rd - 7th Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 11th Closed for observance of Veteran's Day
November 26th Closed at 12:30 for Teacher Trainings
November 27th -28th Closed for Thanksgiving
December 23rd Closed at 12:30 for Teacher Trainings
December 24th - January 1st Closed for Holiday Break

2026

January 2nd School Resumes
January 16th Closed for Staff Meeting/Teacher Trainings
January 19th Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 16th Closed for President's Day
March 6th Closed at 12:30 for Teacher Training
March 20th Closed at 12:30 for Teacher Training
  School Picture Day (7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)
April 2nd Closed at 12:30 for Teacher Trainings
April 3rd Closed for Good Friday
April 6th - 10th Parent-Teacher Conferences
April 24th Closed at 12:00 for Employee Recognition
May 15th Spring Family Event/Graduation Picnic (10:30 a.m.)
May 25th Closed for observance of Memorial Day
June 19th Closed for the observance of Juneteenth
July 4 Closed for Independence Day

Contact Information

Phone: 217-443-8833 
Email: cdc@dacc.edu

Director: 
Melissa Hollingsworth 
email: m.hollingsworth@dacc.edu

Assistant Director: 
Shanna Forthenberry 
email: s.forthenberry@dacc.edu

Administrative Assistant: 
Taylor Pavlick 
email: t.pavlick@dacc.edu