Annual Report 2024/25

Nurturing Growth,

Building Potential 

A Letter

from the Board President

Dear CDC Supporter,

This upcoming school year will mark the 55th 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%)

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
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
Give to the Annual Campaign

Donor and Partner
Recognition