Pawleys Island Child Development

Our Mission / History

In 1970, many parents were beginning careers, which took them away from home for extended hours each day. This meant the children would be left with siblings, grandparents, baby sitters or whoever could keep the child while the parent(s) were pursuing careers. It was then that a small group of concerned citizens of Pawleys Island recognized the need for educational and social development of children at early ages.

This was the birth of our mission: To reach as many children as possible to help give them a good start in life and to have a place where parents can feel good and secure about leaving their child.

Our Teaching Staff

Every teacher at the Pawleys Island Child Development Center (PICDC) must undergo thorough training to meet the stringent requirements for child care certification by the state of South Carolina. Teachers employed with PICDC have earned numerous educational credentials including the ECD 101 training certificate, the South Carolina Health and Safety Pre Service Certificate, the CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential, certified CPR training and various college degrees. In addition, teachers at PICDC must also meet the stringent requirements of the PICDC board of directors.

Our Facilities

In July of 2014 the Pawleys Island Child Development Center moved to its newly renovated facility at 291 Parkersville Road in Pawleys Island. This facility provides three large classroom spaces, restrooms, a main office, a kitchen and lunchroom space. The entire building is ADA compliant to allow accessibility for children with special needs.

Beginning in September of 2014, a group of artists and volunteers raised funds to begin a Mural Arts project which allowed for the creation of wonderful child centered murals on the exterior of the building. Bright figures depict the Center’s curriculum goals and values.

In December of 2014, a new playground was installed that meets all ADA requirements and provides various pieces of equipment that encourage cooperative play. Pieces were selected for the pre-school age child and cushioned mulch and borders were installed in compliance with all current safety regulations.

In the summer of 2015, an adjacent building was given to the center to provide additional classroom space. Renovations were completed in 2016 which provided space for an additional classroom for two-year olds and a new Early Head Start Program for children from 6 weeks to two years of age.