Annual Report 2024/25

Nurturing Growth,

Building Potential 

A Letter

from the Board President

Dear CDC Supporter,

This upcoming school year will mark the 54th year at South Highland Child Development Center.In 1971, the Center opened its doors with the goal to provide all children the opportunity to receive meaningful Christian care in a safe and joyful learning environment. Each year, we are committed to exceeding this goal but because of unprecedented circumstances across most child care facilities, the Center’s on-going challenge is reaching financial stability. This year, we are seeking the support from our parents, grandparents, alumni and friends to help us overcome this challenge. Like most child development centers, we use a financial model which relies on tuition as the primary source of revenue for its operations. However, tuition only covers 80% of the center’s annual operating budget. That is why we are introducing the 1971 Campaign to help fill the gap between tuition and the full cost of serving our children and operating the Center. Donations to the campaign will support enhancements that tuition alone does not cover.

Examples include:
+ Updating classroom technology and instructional supplies
+ Supporting the Center’s outstanding staff so we can retain the talent we have
+ Providing support for extracurricular programs and opportunities for our children to ensure the development of the whole child

The Center’s Board of Directors and Leadership ask you to consider partnering with us by making a donation to the 1971 Campaign. All gifts, no matter the size, will have an impact on the children we serve and help make South Highland Child Development Center a wonderful place for our children to learn, play and grow together.

Sincerely,

- Ramey Harrell

from the Executive Director

Welcome

Welcome to South Highland Child Development Center! I am Allison Williams, the Executive Director. South Highland Child Development Center is approaching a major milestone of 55 years as part of the Early Childhood Education community in Birmingham. The center was established in 1971. It is a joy working at South Highland CDC for 33 years. 

South Highland CDC has continued to provide quality childcare in a Christian environment. The center has grown in the following ways through the years - building size, curriculum, technology and most importantly quality of our performance standards. As South Highland CDC embarks into the next 55 years, there are more goals and accomplishments to achieve. 

Thank you to all our South Highland CDC families for their continuous support of our center now and in the future.

- Allison Williams

Our year at a glance

36

11

Employees

Classrooms

96

717

Children Served

Meals & Snacks Served

Programmatic Impact & Highlights

Program & Curriculum
Development

• ASQ-3 Testing and implementation of individual education plans for students

• Kindergarten readiness classes for PreK classes

• 4 teachers have gone through infant/toddler coaching program

Technology & Communication Improvements

• New software implemented: Brightwheel

• Tablets purchased for each classroom for improved communication between staff & parents

• New website designed

Facility & Partnership
Enhancements

• CDC and SHC partnership to remodel CDC (new flooring, painting, doors and more)

• Reached our goal to be 100% staffed

• Achieved 2 STAR Status with the Alabama STARS program

Family & Community
Engagement

• Christmas program

• Thanksgiving lunch with parents

• Parent teacher conferences

• Pictures with Santa

• PTO fundraiser

Extra-Curricular Classes Offered:

Corky Bells Dance

Music Class

Spanish Class

Soccer Shots

Kids Tiger Karate

Financial Overview

2024 - 2025
Income & Expenses

Income: $1,358,890
Expenses: $1,464,890

• Tuition: $1,308,390 (96%)

• Fees: $50,500 (4%)

• Repairs & Maintenance: $10,000 (1%)

• Salaries: $1,040,112 (70%)

• Health Insurance & Benefits: $150,438 (10%)

• Management & Office Expense: $58,410 (4%)

• General Personnel Expense: $18,400 (1%)

• Tuition Financial Aid: $49,470 (2%)

• Food Expense: $96,000 (7%)

• Supplies: $30,900 (2%)

• Rent & Utilities: $24,900 (1%)

• Cleaning Services: $20,100 (1%)

• Program Activities: $15,630 (1%)

The "Heart of South Highland" Annual Campaign

2026 Financial Goal

At South Highland Child Development Center, our mission is to provide an environment where every child feels known and nurtured. However, providing this level of care comes with a unique financial reality: Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of running a high-quality center. From maintaining our historic facilities to retaining our expert educators, there is a gap between our revenue and the true cost of excellence.

Our 2026 Strategic Focus This year, our financial snapshot is centered on the launch of our Annual Giving Campaign. This is not just a fundraiser; it is a parent-led movement to ensure South Highland’s future.

We are proud to announce that this year’s campaign is being spearheaded by Grace Graffeo who serves as both a South Highland parent and the Chair of our Board’s Fundraising Committee. This dual leadership ensures that our financial goals are aligned with the values and needs of our families.

Our Objectives

  • Bridge the "Tuition Gap": Directly subsidizing the operational costs that tuition doesn't reach to keep our school thriving.

  • Invest in our Educators: Funding professional development and retention initiatives for the teachers our children love.

  • Enhance Our Environment: Directing internal gifts toward immediate classroom and playground improvements.

Volunteer with a Committee

How you can help

  • Participate in the Annual Campaign Every gift, regardless of size, helps us reach 100% family participation. Our goal is to show that our community is fully invested in our children’s success.

  • Join the Committee Under Grace Graffeo’s leadership, we are looking for parent ambassadors to help share our mission.

  • Spread the Word Help us share the "South Highland Story" with alumni, grandparents, and local community partners.

Give to the Annual Campaign

FAQ

  • In the world of high-quality early childhood education, tuition is designed to keep care accessible to families. However, it rarely covers the full cost of specialized programming, competitive teacher salaries, and facility upkeep. We call the difference between tuition revenue and the actual cost of operation "The Gap."

  • The Annual Fund campaign is a strategic, high-level effort led by our Board of Directors and parent leadership. These funds are earmarked for the long-term sustainability of the center, teacher retention funds, and operation costs that ensure South Highland remains a leader in the community. Funds raised through the PTA will support our teachers directly and help provide enriching experiences for our children. 

  • Transparency is our priority. Our Fundraising Committee, chaired by a South Highland parent and Board Member, works directly with the Board of Directors to ensure every dollar raised is allocated where it will have the greatest impact on our children’s daily experience.

Donor and Partner
Recognition