In 1950 members of the Charles City Newcomers Club began a civic project that would more than half a century later become Iowa’s oldest, licensed preschool. Now 55 years later, in addition to celebrating a Golden-Plus anniversary, Central Preschool has also joined the roster of Iowa preschools offering Community Empowerment preschool scholarships.
Shanell Wagler, of the Iowa Department of Management—Office of Empowerment, joined more than 200 well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the preschool’s milestone birthday in April.
Central Preschool started out as Central School Nursery and was located in Charles City’s former Central School. When Central School was severely damaged in Charles City’s 1968 tornado, the preschool was moved temporarily to Grace Episcopal Church and later to the Congregational Church. It found a permanent home in the newly constructed Trinity United Church in October of 1972.
Central Preschool was licensed in 1954 and incorporated in 1972. According to Empowerment officials, the only other school still in business after 50 years is Plymouth Nursery School in Des Moines (51 years).
In 1954 there were only 47 licensed nurseries, preschools, and day care centers in Iowa. Central School Nursery became the first licensed preschool in Floyd County and the only one in the county until 1970.
Rachel Connerley, Central’s director, reported that nearly 3,500 students have passed through the preschool’s doors in the past 55 years.
Today Central Preschool serves 31 students and offers a variety of learning opportunities with a strong focus on science and kindergarten readiness skills.
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Contact: Laurie Kristiansen
FMC Community Empowerment; 641-435-4435