Letter from the Director!

There’s a silent tragedy that is happening day after day in most American homes. This concerns our precious children. A lot of the children we are caring for in this day and age are in a devastating emotional state. For over six years now this topic has laid heavily on my heart. Studies that have been conducted for the past 15 years have given parents and ECE providers increasingly alarming statistics about a sharp and steady increase in childhood mental illness that is now reaching epidemic proportions. Statistics exist that show that 1 in 5 children have mental health problems. Also, there has been a 43% increase in ADHD and a 37% increase in adolescent depression.

You may be asking yourself, “What is going on, and what are we doing wrong?” Today’s children are overloaded with over-stimulating material objects, but they are deprived of what is truly fundamental for healthy and happy children, such as:

• Clearly defined limits

• Responsibility

• Quality sleep

• Movement in open air

• Creative play

• Social interactions

• Unstructured play opportunities

• Learning Centers

Delaware Child Development Center provides all of these things for children. So, we hope that you are loving and appreciating the quality child care your child(ren) get to be a part of here at Delaware. Please ask about getting involved in our Policy Council team and volunteering in our center. Your continued partnership is needed and valued.

Thank you,

Tina McClintic

DCD-Bartlesville Director