Danville Child Development Center:
A model of leadership and excellence within the early learning community
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The lack of available child care for young mothers working or pursuing education, coupled with the segregation of children with special needs, gave rise to the inspiration for the goal of an integrated instructional setting in full daycare; a Nursery Program also fully integrated; Speech assessments; and at some point a special needs program for the more severely involved children.
In 1974, Nancy Vella and Kathleen Mulligan opened the doors to the Danville Day Care Center for Child Development with 6 children in a church basement. Nancy Vella was a nurse with an interest in working with young children with special needs. Kathleen had just finished her Master’s Degree in Education and was working as a speech therapist, who herself, had dealt with issues related to the lack of child care while she was earning her degrees. It is with this foundation, that Danville Child Development Center (DCDC) was born.
DCDC has come a long way from that first visionary goal. DCDC has grown into a recognized early learning organization serving over 400 children annually. With two centers to call its own, DCDC could not exist as the beacon of excellence it is today without its dedicated staff of 40+ employees.
DCDC has served as a model of leadership and excellence within the early learning community since its early days. Touted as a model inclusive program by a former Department of Public Welfare Deputy Secretary, DCDC also has the distinction of being the only nationally accredited, PA Department of Education (PDE) licensed preschool in the two county area for 20 years. DCDC has also been a participant in the Commonwealth’s Keystone STARS program since its pilot in 2001 where it received its STAR 4 rating, the highest quality rating of the system.
During the last 10 years, DCDC has seen tremendous growth, including the purchase of a new preschool and school age site and expansion of our early intervention home visitation program. The $1.2M purchase and repurposing of the old Danville Auto Auction site on Bloom Road (next to the SPCA) has allowed DCDC to expand and create additional services for the community’s children.
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DCDC’s home visiting early intervention program has seen a 40% increase in growth over the past five years between an expansion into Northumberland County and an increase in the need for services.
Despite its local reputation for being a program for “only children with special needs”, DCDC now provides early learning services to all children regardless of ability or socio-economic level. “We offer a variety of child care enrollment options, with both of our preschool programs having their PDE license. Our Wall Street center offers full and part time care and early education, while our Bloom Rd center offers a full day preschool program, as well as before and after care, and summer care for school age students,” stated Diana Verbeck, DCDC Executive Director.
With over 80% of teachers having educational degrees, DCDC is poised to provide the highest quality early learning experiences to all children, from infants through school age.
Once COVID settles down, Verbeck added “we are looking forward to getting back to providing our My Toddler & Me classes and our Playgroup at Bloom Rd.”
DCDC provides early intervention services to children ages birth – three. As one of the original providers of home based early intervention programming, the DCDC growing team of teachers and therapists provide key developmental supports to children across all socio-economic strata in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties. DCDC has tuition assistance available for families through the United Way.
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DCDC continues to be an active part of our community, supporting causes and organizations that are near and dear to their heart. These include being a collection site for Danville’s Community Christmas Tree, involvement with the March of Dimes March for Babies, and the annual Children’s Fair at the Columbia Mall (when it’s not during a pandemic!). Program leadership is actively involved with the Press Enterprise’s Brighter Christmas Fund and is now the Danville Area fiscal agent.
COVID has been a significant challenge for DCDC – probably the biggest in its history, as with many other organizations and businesses. DCDC staff has risen to the occasion and has been able to provide the highest quality of care and education, in a safe, healthy, nurturing and engaging environment. Verbeck stated, “We are very grateful for the support of our community always and most especially now during the pandemic while we keep serving our local families so they can work”.
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Small Business of the Year |
In 2015, DCDC received the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. They have also been nominated as the Chamber’s Non-Profit of the Year Award in 2019 and 2020. |
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DCDC is a member of both the Danville Business Alliance and the Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce. We at the DBA are grateful to call DCDC one of our members and for their continued support of our community. To learn more about the DCDC and the services they provide, please visit https://danvillecdc.org/ or call (570) 275-4047.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Update:
PA Department of Health expands Phase 1A
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Geisinger will continue to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to those in the Pennsylvania Phase 1A vaccine plan which now includes those 65 and older and people 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. Visit Geisinger's FAQ page to see if you’re now included in Phase 1A and schedule your vaccine. http://geisinger.org/covidvax
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Applications Now Open for the “At Your Side” Small Business Grant Program |
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The National Main Street Center has teamed up with Brother International to provide a total of $75,000 in funding to brick-and-mortar small businesses in designated Main Street America districts and UrbanMain member corridors as they work to adapt to COVID-19 and prepare for the next phases of reopening across the country, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial corridors.
Applications are now open here and will continue to be accepted through Thursday, January 28 at 7:59pm EST/ 6:59pm CST.
Grants of $5,000 to $10,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants must operate in a “brick and mortar” storefront located in an Accredited or Affiliate Main Street America (Danville Business Alliance is an Accredited Main Street America member; qualifying our businesses located in Danville) or UrbanMain member commercial corridor. You can find those programs here.
Eligible Grant Expenses
Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
- Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
- Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
- Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales
- Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
- Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses
Grant Application Judging Criteria
- Feasibility of proposal
- Extent to which grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner implement innovative solutions to address COVID-19-related challenges
- Opportunity for other businesses to learn from work
- Business’ contribution to the local community
- How the grant will help improve the viability of business
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Strength of letters of recommendation and supporting documents
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The Danville Borough Council approved the hiring of Robert Strachko as the new Health Officer on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
Robert Strachko
570-594-8247
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Paycheck Protection Program:
Second Draw Reopens
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The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on January 15, 2021. The portal fully opened on Tuesday, January 19 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan. Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
Full Forgiveness Terms
Second Draw PPP Loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
• Employee and compensation levels are maintained in the same manner as required for the First Draw PPP loan;
• The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
• At least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs.
Targeted Eligibility
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
Maximum Loan Amount and Increased Assistance for Accommodation and Food Services Businesses
For most borrowers, the maximum loan amount of a Second Draw PPP Loan is 2.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million. For borrowers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (click HERE for NAICS 72 to confirm), the maximum loan amount for a Second Draw PPP Loan is 3.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million.
How and When to Apply
Borrowers can apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021, through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, eligible non-bank lender, or Farm Credit System institution that is participating in PPP. All Second Draw PPP Loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found HERE.
What to Do Now
The easiest option would be to do a PPP2 loan with the same bank or lender that you worked with in the first round based upon the documentation and qualification requirements. For those that are now considering a first round loan, be prepared to provide documentation.
Ensuring Access for All
At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
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The Barstool Fund, in support of the 30 Day Fund, is awarding grants to small business owners in need of help due to the impacts of COVID-19. The only requirement for small businesses is that their payroll is still active.
If you are a small business owner in need of help due to the impacts of COVID, you can submit your application at: TheBarstoolFund.com/apply.
You can also support small businesses by continuing to shop, eat, and enjoy everything local.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The deadline extension comes as a result of the recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress and enacted by President Trump on Dec. 27, 2020.
EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at very affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and nonprofit are encouraged to apply to get the resources they need.
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Does Your Business need a Website?
Apply by January 26
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Bucknell students will create websites for local businesses and organizations this coming semester as a part of their Marketing and Design course.
The web design project will provide a hands-on learning experience for students while also benefiting local organizations.
Websites will be free of charge with preference given to businesses and organizations with greater need for a free solution. All organizations are welcome to apply.
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Breaking Brand: 5-part Brand Engagement Series begins January 25! |
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Local Partners' Resources |
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Columbia Montour
Visitors Bureau
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Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau
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The Small Business Development Center at Bucknell University has compiled a list of resources to aid small businesses in navigating these changing times.
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Visit the Chamber's website for the latest information on assistance programs and other resources for businesses and non-profit organizations.
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Visit the Chamber's website for the latest information on assistance programs and other resources for businesses and non-profit organizations.
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The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) is a volunteer-led organization, committed to providing the best possible outdoor recreational facilities for the people of Montour County and the surrounding region.
Find a park or trail here.
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DBA 2021
SAVE THE DATE
www.visitdanvillpa.org
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Taste of the Nations
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Health Fair & 6.1 K Run
August 2021
Danville Heritage Festival
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Danville Halloween Parade
October 2021
Danville After Dark
October 2021
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Hometown Holiday Weekend
December 12 & 13, 2020
Ferry Street Growers' Market
Saturdays, 8 a - 12 p
May 2021 - November 2021
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Things are changing.
Please let us know about your business adaptations, closures, or event cancellations and we will share your information on our website and social media.
Simply reply to this e-mail and provide details.
We're all in this together. Stay well, Danville.
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Danville Business Alliance | 570.284.4502 | 620 Mill Street, Danville, PA 17821 | www.visitdanvillepa.org
Subscribe to our e-newsletter here.
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