| The Ebenezer Child Development Center was founded early in 1952. Its beginning and development was the result of a vision and effort of a former pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church – The Rev. Robert L. Rowe. Several people active in the church and the community formed the first Board of Directors. During the first few years, the program was known as the Ebenezer Nursery School, and had its beginning in the church nursery and Fellowship Hall. In the late 1950s’ the program moved into Campbell Hall (the old sanctuary), and later changed its name to the Ebenezer Child Development Center. |
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| Mrs. Johnnie Y. Rice was selected as Director of the Center and began to develop policies and procedures, which would increase the effectiveness of the Center. Following the retirement of Mrs. Rice in July 1985, the Center underwent administrative, curriculum and staff changes. Dr. Marvin Griffin, the current pastor, appointed a new Board of Directors and began to seek a new Center Director. Dr. James Hill was elected chairman of the new Board, and Mrs. Ethelda Pleasant was appointed Center Director. In the fall of 1991, the Board of Directors made changes in the administration by appointing Vanessa McKee as new Director of the Center. In April 1993, Mrs. Alice Houston, Board Member, agreed to become Director of the Center and served until August 1996. The current facility was opened in May 1996 under her leadership. |
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| In 1986, the United Way developed a unique individualized program for the Ebenezer Child Development Center to subsidize day care payment for the children of low-income families. The program was used as an incentive for increasing enrollment of the Center and has provided more jobs for child care workers. |
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| The Center received a grant from the City of Austin in 1988 and in 1989 received a grant from Travis County. With the financial support from the City of Austin, Travis County and the United Way, the Center was able to triple its enrollment. Through the combined efforts of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the City of Austin, Travis County, the United Way and the Center staff; the original aim of providing care for the children of parents whose income was at or below the poverty level, was realized. |
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| Mr. Clemith Houston was appointed to the Board of Directors in the summer of 1988 and became Chairman of the Board in the fall of 1990. He worked with the Board, Center Director, teachers and other staff to ensure that the Center continued to serve the needs of the community. In 1990, through the combined efforts of Dr. Marvin Griffin, Mr. Clemith Houston, Mrs. Ethelda Pleasant, Board members and church members, the Ebenezer Child Development Center received a Community Block Grant from the City of Austin to construct a new facility. It was a great milestone when the new facility was completed and occupied in May 1996 under Director Alice Houston. |
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| The Board of Directors, Dr. Marvin Griffin, the City of Austin, and volunteers of the community gave quality time and effort in the planning of the new facility which had the capacity to accommodate 200 children from the Austin community. There were just as many families on the waiting list who were seeking quality childcare services in the future. The Center is currently licensed for 160 children by Child Care Licensing, a division of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. It is also a Four (4) star Designated Vendor Center with the Child Care Management Services. One of the primary goals of the program was to become nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In August 2005, the goal was achieved, due to the faith and hard work of Mrs. Beulah Bradshaw, Executive Director, her assistants and staff. |
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CURRENT ADMINISTRATOR
Charlene Taylor - Executive Director August 2008 – Current |
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FORMER ADMINISTRATORS
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| Beulah Bradshaw - September 2002 – Aug 2008 |
| Eleanor Thompson Aug 2001 – Sept 2002 |
| Karlene Bennett June 1999 – Aug 2001 |
| Nora Oakmon 1999 |
| Sherryl Rogers-Adams 1996 |
| Alice Houston 1993 |
| Vanessa McKee 1991 |
| Eddie Rucker –Co-director 1985-86 |
| Ethelda Pleasant 1985 |
| Johnnie Rice 1965 |
| Alice Houston 1956 |
| Nehoma Brown 1953 |
| Isaac Spencer 1953 |
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lavon Marshall, Chair
Herbert McGrew, Vice-Chair
Jo Ann McGrew, Secretary
Jennifer Durst, Budget and Finance Chair
Johnnie B. Van Dyke, Personnel Committee Chair
Beverly Archer
James Givens
Betty J. Hudspeth
Nikelle Meade, Esq.
Brynette Smith
Oliver B. Street, II
Polly Street
Marvin C. Griffin, D. Min. |
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MISSION STATEMENT
Vision
Ebenezer Child Development Center envisions graduates who are self-disciplined, highly motivated, and successful in reaching their God-given potential. |
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Core Values
- Underserved communities need alternative to daycare in the way of early childhood education.
- Someone needs to ensure God’s purpose for His children is fulfilled.
- No child should be left behind; therefore, all families should have access to quality early childhood education, regardless of their ability to pay.
- Ebenezer should always reflect high standards and expectations for its program.
- Ebenezer should be considered a producer of Austin’s future success stories.
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Mission
The mission of Ebenezer Child Development Center is to provide quality and affordable early childhood development service in an environment that promotes the growth of the total child. |
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