History

The roots of our organization began in September 1926 with the founding of the Elm Street School. It was established in response to the needs of Yellow Springs families for a multi racial nursery school to serve the village’s socially and economically diverse population. It was only the second nursery school in Ohio. From its very beginning, it has been characterized by a responsiveness to the needs and values of the community. The school was incorporated in 1946 as the Yellow Springs Community Children’s Center.

What began with eight children has grown into a non-profit organization serving 80+ children, with a welcoming 10,000-square-foot facility on Corry Street.

Today, families from across Greene and Clark counties—including Springfield, Enon, Xenia, Fairborn, and New Carlisle—choose our center for its warm, family-oriented environment and dedication to high-quality early childhood education.

Values

Guided by our core values of trustworthiness, kindness, excellence, quality, dedicated staff, and affordability, we continue to honor our founder’s vision: to offer safe, affordable, and enriching care where children and families feel at home.

  • Trustworthiness: We provide dependable care families can trust every day.
  • Kindness: We treat every child and family with compassion and respect.
  • Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in care and learning.
  • Quality: We create safe, enriching experiences for every child.
  • Dedicated Staff: Our team is passionate about supporting and nurturing children.
  • Affordability: We believe quality childcare should be accessible to every family.

Board Info

The Community Children’s Center is a private, non-profit corporation. Each child’s legal custodian (parent or guardian) automatically becomes a member of the corporation for as long as their child is enrolled. At least one member of the Board of Directors must be a parent or guardian of a currently enrolled child. The Board of Directors is elected by our members each year at the annual meeting, held in August or September. The Board of Directors typically meets once per month on the third Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to attend.

Accreditation

All center-based day care programs must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). 

The Children’s Center is a gold rated Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) program. This is a three-tier quality rating and improvement system for Ohio’s early learning and development programs. SUTQ recognizes and promotes programs that meet and exceed quality program standards. SUTQ program standards are based on national research which lead(s) to improved outcomes for children. Licenses are posted on the bulletin board by the front door entrance.