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Child Development Center

  JB Parsons "LIVES UNITED" for Child Development Center

Getting involved with the United Way, and specifically with the Child Development Center,
started 20 years ago when I read a little article in the paper -- like you're reading now.
They had a need for a vehicle to help the kids get to and from activities at the CDC.
Coincidentally Conoco had some surplus vehicles that I knew about, and one of the used
vans fit their needs just right. With very little effort on my part, the donation was made and
the "recycled" van was used for many years.  

Probably also like you, I had never even heard of the CDC, but it had been around for 15
years at that time serving families who needed quality child care, at affordable rates. The
"van deal" was just the beginning. Getting to know what went on at the CDC, and the dedication
they have to really developing children got me hooked. I didn't know how tough life could be for
families who need to work, but don't have a safe, nurturing environment for their children during
the day. I didn't know there were so many families in Ponca City who really need quality child care,
and have to make decisions about how to afford it. I didn't know there was so much love being
shown to Ponca City's children at the CDC. I didn't know I could spend a little time helping and it
would become one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. But it has. My name is JB Parsons, this
is how I “LIVE UNITED”.

After forty one years of quality care and education to young children, the Child Development Center of Ponca City, Inc.
continues its mission to provide an affordable high quality pre-school childcare in a nurturing, secure environment. This program emphasizes life
skills and school readiness through creative learning experiences and development of language and cognitive skills that encourage spiritual, physical,
emotional and social growth.

On January 15th, 1967, the CDC opened its doors to provide a safe and healthy learning environment to children.  The dream began when ladies
of Church Women United realized that Ponca City needed a quality place for children to spend their days, as there was a growing need for many
moms to earn income. Caring for our community’s youngest ages 6 weeks up to kindergarten age, the early childhood environment at the CDC offers
all the basic needs to help children succeed and develop at their own pace while encouraging self help and problem solving skills. The staff works diligently
to provide a safe, secure and loving environment, so children will be comfortable and trust those caring for them, which in turn allows children to grow to
their full potential in these most important years. 

Incorporated into lesson plans are many opportunities for language development, which is a top priority at the center. Through the years many volunteers
in different capacities have made it possible for the CDC to be what it has matured into today. Community members who know the importance of a child
have provided invaluable time and talents through reading, sharing a vocation, show and tell opportunities or just spending quality time with a child.  “Many
wonderful and meaningful relationships have been formed, one of the main ingredients we want a child to have very early.  We believe children growing up
rich in verbal and cognitive settings have such an advantage over children who’s caregivers rarely converse and share spoken word”, states Kim Jump,
executive director. The center welcomes those who love to share their time and talents with young children.

The community has been fundamental to the success of the CDC through the generous donations given to the United Way each year during the annual
fund drive. Funds provided through donations to United Way of Ponca City are 18% of the center’s operating budget. United Way funding helps provide
the necessities needed to carry through the children’s program. Child Care licensing requirements need constant attention and updating. Without the help
from the community, United Way funds help provide the opportunity for children to receive quality child care at a reduced cost.  

Looking to the future, the CDC has been given the current YMCA building as its new home allowing the center to improve upon the early childhood program
they currently offer. This will enable the center to become a 3-star facility, increasing the reimbursement rate for children thus improving the overall quality
of early learning care as well as the educational levels of teachers and directors.  The long history of the Child Development Center is impressive and the
future holds even bigger and better things for our young children, our most important investment.

At the heart of the center is an active board consisting of 15 members from the community and 9 ladies from sponsoring churches that include: board
members: President, Ken Slavin, Treasurer, Charley Blew, Assistant treasurer, JB Parsons, Director, Kim Jump, Assistant director, Glenda Lockhart. Community
members: Barbara Inskeep, Stan Brown, Jan Merrifield, Zona Whittaker, Clyde Pendergraft, Cherish Wentroth, Ruth Engle, Seldon Ballard, Rodger Cline, Earl
Ball, and Carol Moore. Church representatives: Jan VanBuskirk, Frances Patton, Frances Roady, Sharla Lambring, Marilyn Krepps, Joyce Appleman, Estella
Maxwell, Mary Lou Winter, Dorene Hudson.

United Way helps support the following member agencies and initiatives: American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts-Cimarron Council, Child
Development Center, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Financial Stability Initiative, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Golden Villa
Adult Day Services, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, RSVP, The Salvation Army, Success By
6/Smart Start Kay County, and the YMCA. 

United Way, its people thinking of WE before ME and reaching out a hand to one to influence the condition of all.  It’s working together to create lasting
changes in people’s lives.

For more information on United Way, its member agencies and initiatives call 580.765.2476.