The Interfaith Child Development Center (ICDC) marked a milestone this week, celebrating fifty years of nurturing young minds in The Woodlands. The reception held on November 4 brought together families, volunteers, and community leaders to honor the center’s humble beginnings and its evolution into a cornerstone of early‑childhood education.
From a sit‑in protest to a permanent home
President and CEO Missy Herndon recounted the center’s origin story. In the early 1970s, a group of mothers, unable to secure land for an early‑education program, staged a sit‑in at a local development company. After a few hours, the developers provided the needed space, and the program was launched under the umbrella of Interfaith of The Woodlands.
Initially housed in the Interfaith building at 4242 Interfaith Way, the center later moved to its current location at 5630 Rush Haven Drive, where it continues to serve children from 18 months through fourth grade.
Programs and enrollment
ICDC offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends academic fundamentals with enrichment activities. Children enjoy a science lab, an Outdoor Nature Classroom, Spanish language instruction, movement education, music, and dance. The center currently serves approximately 400 students, reflecting strong community demand.
Registration opens each February. Priority is given to families already enrolled and their siblings before the public registration period begins at the end of the month, ensuring continuity for existing families.
Community support and future plans
At the anniversary event, the Parents Club presented a $10,000 donation earmarked for a new playground as part of the Discovery Garden project. The contribution underscores the deep ties between the center and the families it serves.
“Every program was built out of community need in a new community where a need was identified,” Herndon said, emphasizing the center’s mission to respond to local families’ desires for quality early‑education options.
Looking ahead
As ICDC looks to the next half‑century, plans include expanding extracurricular offerings and enhancing facilities to better support the growing enrollment. The center remains a testament to the power of faith‑based community action, demonstrating how a small group of dedicated parents can create lasting impact for generations.
For more information about enrollment, programs, or ways to support the Interfaith Child Development Center, visit the Interfaith of The Woodlands website.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
