In 1965, the situation was grim.
Children determined not “school ready” were barred from public schools. They might’ve had a disability, a developmental delay, a physical handicap.
A group of parents in Williamsburg hoped for something better.
So they started the Williamsburg Preschool for Special Children – 10 years before federal law regarding special education even passed.
“That took courage. It took vision. It took a lot of heart. It took an awful lot of faith,” said Paul Scott, executive director of Child Development Resources.
Fifty years later, Child Development Resources remains a leader, locally and nationally, in early childhood services. Each year, the nonprofit supports nearly 1,000 families across Greater Williamsburg.
“Status quo has never been good enough,” said Marsha Hargette, CDR’s director of development. From the founders to today’s staff, “They’ve always wanted to go above and beyond.”
Family focus
When Scott graduated college in 1988, he remembers parents of children with disabilities were told discouraging things.
Theories have been disproved. Still, “it takes a lot of time to change minds and get people to understand and appreciate that all children are gifted,” Scott said, “And that our job as caring adults in the community is to say ‘what is our role in making sure we draw that out?'”
CDR starts early and starts with the family, with 90% of services offered in the home.
Offering assessments, play groups, parent groups, therapy, coaching and more, CDR encompasses services needed for young children with developmental delays and disabilities. The nonprofit also serves children at risk for development issues, such as those surrounded by situations of poverty or substance abuse.
The heart behind CDR’s humble origins remains, but the scope has expanded. With 90 employees, the nonprofit has an operating budget of $6.2 million, funded primarily by donations and federal, state and local grants.
Families are referred to CDR from a number of community partners: pediatricians, social services, schools, other parents.
“They’re very tightly woven into the health and human services of our community,” said Diana Hutchens, social services director for James City County.
“As the population of children has grown in this community, and as the needs of children have grown, CDR has worked really hard to make sure they keep up,” Hutchens said. She’s worked in the county for 37 years.
And because CDR has always stayed ahead, the organization also trains early childhood professionals across the state, and the country.
“I call them miracle workers,” Rebecca Peterson said. Two of Peterson’s children struggled with speaking. CDR worked with both to develop speech habits; Peterson has gained tools and support as well.
At its heart, CDR turns helplessness and, oftentimes, fear into empowered action, Scott said.
A highly trained team, including teachers, therapists and special educators, examines what’s best for the children. They don’t try to fit families’ needs into an existing system, Scott said.
“Let’s set the labels and diagnosis aside and concentrate on what you need and what the child needs,” Scott said. “That’s where we start. And that’s where we finish.”
“That’s really all that matters.”
Hope grows
Children smile from photos hung on CDR’s brightly painted walls.
It’s a reminder of some of the lives CDR has touched, a manifestation of hope.
“Some of these situations are very difficult for families, and they feel very isolated,” Hutchens said. “CDR can step in, give them some confidence, give them the support they need, and stay with them.”
Each day, as Hargette walks through the front door, she catches a glimpse of a photo hanging over the front desk.
It’s her daughter, Parker, beaming and standing.
A few years ago, Parker couldn’t stand. She could barely roll over.
The Hargettes moved to Williamsburg when Parker was 10 months old.
Before the move, Hargette sought services for Parker, who has a disability. But she was put on a wait list.
“A wait list of six to nine months for a child that young is an eternity,” she said.
Once in Williamsburg, they contacted CDR and, almost instantly, Parker began receiving services – including physical and speech therapy and developmental play group.
“She was told that she might not ever walk or talk,” Hargette said.
Within a year, she could crawl, and even take a few steps. Now, at age 3, Parker can run and talk.
Hargette had stopped working to care for Parker, but encouraged by her daughter’s gains and her own gains as a parent, she returned to work.
“I knew that we were going to be able to make it through this,” she said.
“Early intervention is critical, and it is key,” Hargette said. “And it is life-changing for children.”
For more information, visit cdr.org or call 757-566-3300.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-275-4934.
Ways to help
Donate: To celebrate 50 years – and ensure 50 more – CDR launched the Comprehensive Campaign for the Children, with a goal of $1 million. To donate, visit 50th.cdr.org.
Volunteer: Call 757-566-3300 or email volunteer@cdr.org.
CDR’s services
TOTS line: Call 757-566-TOTS, the central point of service entry, with questions about your baby or toddler
Developmental screening and assessments: Available at no cost for children ages 3 and under
Early Head Start: Federally funded program encouraging self-sufficiency for families of children birth to 3 and expectant mothers
First Steps Child Care & Development Centers: High-quality child-care program
Infant & Parent Program: Provides specialized services for children diagnosed with disabilities and developmental delays
Parents as Teachers: Supports prenatal moms and families of children at risk for poor health or developmental delay
Fatherhood Program: Includes Rookie Dads, a class for expectant dads, and Linkages, a program for incarcerated fathers
Center for Professional Development: Coaching, instruction, training for early childhood professionals
