Center History

In 1969 a survey was done to assess the desire for childcare options in the Waverly and surrounding areas by the Church Women United group. This survey found that more women were entering the work force and therefore the need for childcare was increasing in the area. Waverly Child Care and Preschool first opened in 1970 in the basement of Faith United Church and could only host 8 children at once. Total enrollment between part-time and full-time students was 18 children ages 3 to 6 years old in WCCP’s first year. Over the next 10 years, WCCP would grow so much that they would find themselves building their first official building of their own.

In 1981 Waverly Child Care and Preschool moved to their freshly built location on the corner of 16th St and 3rd Ave NW where they were licensed for 40 children with 90 total children attending either part or full-time. At the end of their first year there, 121 children were enrolled with an average daily attendance of 28. Due to renovations, in 1998 WCCP was able to increase licensing to 60 children allowing them to offer care to infants through 2 years old. By 2003 the location was no longer large enough to fulfill the rising needs for childcare and a new location was built, opening in 2005 where the center remains today.  

In 2019 plans began to develop to expand the current facility to open 7 new classrooms and a multipurpose room. Ground broke in 2022 and the new side opened in 2023. Today in 2024, Waverly Child Care and Preschool (501 (c)(3)) is licensed to house 344 children and in 2023 had an average daily attendance of 102. WCCP is licensed to care for children ages 6 weeks through 10 years old and provides a variety of programs such as before and after school care, preschool, and childcare.

The center takes pride in its strong partnership with the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District and The Waverly Public Library, which is located next door to the center. Our preschool programs are based on the thought that most children can learn the skills necessary for success in school; that children develop at their own rate and that success in learning will enhance the child’s self-image. Preschool is held in safe and secure surroundings and is combined with reliable physical care. The Board of Directors meets once a month to discuss policies and procedures. 

Our Board of Directors

Brian Ramker – President

Ken Winter – Vice President

Megan Vogt- Kostner – Secretary

Chelsea Lohman – Treasurer

Richard Seggerman – Member

Ryan Meisgeier – Member

Jill Groth – Member

 Sheridan Eick – Member

Nicole Lehman – Member