What is Downtown Hampton Child Development Center?

What is DHCDC?

We are a private, nonprofit child care center serving children from all backgrounds, incomes and abilities—a wonderful "melting pot" where everyone learns together, and from each other. Our NAEYC-accredited preschool program places us in the top 7%
of child care in the country. Each day, we nurture and educate nearly 200 students, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, at two locations. We're also unique in that we offer the Peninsula's only sliding-scale tuition rate, where families pay based on income and need.

Mission Statement

“To nurture young children by providing affordable, quality preschool programs
that develop the ‘whole child’ and foster school readiness.”

Philosophy

We believe the early years of learning are the most important. Our aim is to nurture and to develop the “whole child.” We feel each child is special and unique. We provide opportunities for the emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth of the children using a developmentally appropriate curriculum. We provide a positive learning experience in a safe, caring and fun environment.

We are a “child centered” program where the child is given choices and is encouraged to think and do for himself/herself. Children learn best by “doing” and through play. Our children will be ready and able to succeed when they leave us. Learning is a journey, and it continues for a lifetime.

Our Two Homes

Downtown Hampton Child Development Center at the Mary Peake Center, 1306 Thomas Street, Hampton VA
Mary Peake Center

1306 Thomas Street at the Mary Peake Center
Just off I-64 at the La Salle exit.

Lincoln Street

201 Lincoln Street in Old Hampton Community Center
Just off Armistead Ave near the post office.