About Us
ABOUT The Children's center
Supporting Children & their Families for 60 years.
4,700+
Families served
6,000+
Students enrolled
$1M+
Tuition Assistance
OUR MISSION
development
safety
caring
diversity
WHAT WE DO
For 60 years, The Children’s Center has helped working families access high-quality early education and care. What began with 15 children now serves more than a hundred every year, preparing young learners to enter kindergarten confident and ready to succeed.
We’re the only childcare center in the Hilton Head area with a sliding-fee scale, making early learning more accessible. Our multicultural, bilingual programs support the whole child—socially, emotionally, academically, and physically—five days a week, year-round. Here, children are nurtured and encouraged by qualified, caring teachers.
1954
Need identified
Isaac (Ike) Wilborn recognizes childcare gaps on Hilton Head Island.
1967
Incorporated
May 26, The Child and Youth Development Center formed.
1969
First building opens
September 2nd on Mathews Drive (cost $40,000).
1981
Expansion
Capacity increased to 145 children.
1984
Official Renaming
Name becomes The Children’s Center, Inc.
1986
New Addition
Infant/toddler wing added.
1994
Center opens
Bluffton center opens (July).
1996-1997
Infant Rooms Introduced
Infant rooms added; care from 6 weeks old.
2009
Groundbreaking for new facility
Groundbreaking for new building after $4.5M campaign.
2010
State-of-the-Art Center Opens
New 19,000 sq. ft. facility opens.
2013
Building Closure
Bluffton center closes.
2019
TCC Anniversary
50th anniversary celebration.
2020
Virtual School
Provided COVID support for 30 virtual school children
2023
Security Upgrade
$76,000 investment in the safety of our staff & children
2025
Playground resurface
Install 11,200 sq ft high quality playground turf
The heart of our center
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is made up of dedicated, compassionate professionals who believe in every child’s potential. Each day, they create safe, joyful, and enriching experiences that help children grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee leads with vision and accountability, guiding our organization toward long-term success and meaningful community impact.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, oversight, and support to ensure The Children’s Center continues to deliver high-quality early education and care for working families.
Jennifer Baker
Team/People Development
Hamish Banks
Retired Marketing Executive
Robin Berkeley
Retired Educator
Bruce Chaplin
Retired Government Executive
Sarah Coffin
Retired Equity Executive
Jose Fuentes
Attorney & Partner
Allan Lacoe
Real Estate Agent
Joanna Hicks
Retired Educator
Charlie Wilmot
Real Estate Agent
Louis Wright III
Data Specialist
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Your time, talent, and support directly impact the lives of children and families in our community. Every hour volunteered and every dollar given helps us provide high-quality early education, nurturing care, and opportunities for growth. By getting involved, you become part of a network that strengthens our classrooms, empowers our teachers, and inspires children to reach their full potential.