HAMPTON, Va. — 52 years after it first opened, Peake Childhood Center (PCC) in Hampton has the same mission.
The nonprofit wants to make sure all families can afford high-quality childcare for their young ones.
The fully licensed facility develops kids from six weeks old to five years old, and it's accredited by the National Association of the Education for Young Children, which is the gold standard in the industry.
"The children think they're playing, but what they're really doing is learning," said Executive Director Jennifer Parish.
PCC has maintained that high caliber status despite existing as a nonprofit organization, with nearly 70% of its income coming from donations.
According to Peake's website, many of its teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields. Parish said the teachers also participate in ongoing professional development to better meet the needs of their students.
"We have just wonderful teaching staff here," said Parish. "They really work hard each day."
The organization is also one of the only facilities in the area to offer what’s known as sliding-scale tuition. To help low-income families, tuition costs are based on the parents’ income.
Engagement with families has always been critical to the center’s success. That’s why they host monthly meetings to build connections with families and to put on workshops that teach all aspects of parenting.
Help this Hampton mainstay continue its mission by donating ahead of Give Local 757 day. To donate, you can click the link on the Peake Childhood Center’s homepage.