top of page

History of DCC

1973 Concerns expressed by parents and businesses to the Child Day Care Association (CDCA) about the lack of childcare in the downtown area.

 

1974 Andrew Newman, Vice President of Edison Stores, Inc., becomes involved and encourages businesses to contribute financial resources to meet this employee need. United Way surveys of workers downtown indicates need for childcare near their work.

 

1976 Childcare professionals from Webster University and Southern Illinois University are hired as consultants. Needs assessment done to determine support for childcare in the downtown community. It showed the greatest interest among small businesses. A non-profit corporation is formed bringing together businesses, parents and childcare professionals. Dean Michael offers space for childcare in Christ Church Cathedral.

 

1977 Original financial supporters include Edison, Monsanto, Laclede Gas, Pet, Sverdrup and several banks.

 

1978 Downtown Day Care is opened in November with 20 children (3-5 years old).

 

1980 Executive Director, Joan Gerard is hired in August.

 

1985 First Accreditation is earned.

 

1993 DCC opened the Ralston Purina Childcare Center.

 

1995 National Accreditation achieved.

 

1999 The Work/Family Connection, Back-up Childcare Program is started.

 

2002 Joan Gerard retires and Ilene Shore is named Executive Director

 

2003 Earned National Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

 

2004 Received the Cityscape Award for the St. Louis Partnership, for our new awnings and improvements made to the playground.

 

2006 Ilene Shore resigns and Michael Burns is appointed Executive Director in September.

 

2007 DCC signs a contract to move into a brand new state of the art facility at 607 N. 22nd. Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.

 

2010 Susan Horn appointed as Head of School.

 

2015 Samantha Thomas joins DCC as Head of School. 

2017 Shona Lamond joins DCC as Executive Director. 

 

About

About

 

Downtown Children’s Center (DCC) was established as a 501c3 non-profit organization in 1978, dedicated to serving the early childhood needs of parents...

 

Testimonials

Program

 

One of the most important decisions a parent will make has to do with the education of their child. Our comprehensive program includes  a quality curriculum for...

bottom of page