Diamond Street Early Childhood Center

DSECC's ministry is to provide nurturing, safe, educational childcare that emphasizes the worth and uniqueness of each child, in a Christian environment consistent with the Anabaptist mission of Akron Mennonite Church. We are located in Akron, but serve families who live or work in the Akron, Ephrata, Brownstown area. We are the only DPW licensed center in Akron. We are a Keystone STAR 4 center, the highest quality rating given by the state. We serve families of all income levels by accepting private tuition, CCIS subsidy, and offering scholarships for income-eligible families.

Description:
We are the only DPW licensed childcare center in Akron. We are a Keystone STAR 4 program that serves around 160 children. We have two sites in Akron; one serves infants to pre-k and the other serves kindergarten and school-age children. We offer a full-day pre-k programs for 4 years-olds that is fully funded by EITC scholarships. We serve families of all income levels by accepting private tuition, CCIS subsidy, and offering scholarships for income-eligible families.

History:
A Short History of Diamond Street Early Childhood Center

• 1969 a group of mothers from Akron Mennonite Church started a mom’s and child preschool time.
• 1970 – the preschool opened to the public with 15 students and was named Diamond Street Pre-School.
• 1988- In response to parent requests, a daycare center was opened and continues to operate in the church.
• 1997 – An after-school program was opened and the name of the center was changed to Diamond Street Early Childhood Center (DSECC)
• 2001 – DSECC opened a full-day, five-day-a-week private registered kindergarten. This program works in conjunction with the before and after-school program. It also communicates with Akron Elementary to ensure smooth transition to school and that state and local curriculum guidelines are being met.
• 2002 – DSECC became separately incorporated as a 501 c 3 nonprofit. It remains a mission of Akron Mennonite Church, but operates with a board of directors that includes church, parent, and community representatives.
• 2004 – DSECC added Spanish instruction and also participates in the International Visitor Exchange Program sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, which brings teachers from other countries to DSECC. These endeavors plant seeds of peace and help children celebrate diversity.
• 2008 – DSECC earned a Keystone STAR 4 rating for its high quality program.
• 2011 – DSECC opened a new site for kindergarten and school-age children at 105 N 11th street in Akron.
• 2012 – DSECC started a program, Early Childhood Innovative Connections, to bring independent ECE programs together to find ways to share administrative services.