
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?
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Absolutely! Feel free to join your child at lunchtime, playtime - anytime!
- Do the children go outside everyday?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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