HELC was organized in April 1980.  In July 1980, it became the first non-profit preschool recognized by the State of Missouri in northern Boone County.  By December 31, 1980, the Center had become a 501(c) (3) organization in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service.  We are a United Way funded early childhood education center and managed by a Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors represent parents and community leaders, as well as early childhood educators and advocates. 

During this period our Center licensed and cared for 32 children.  Infant care was added in 2002 with a license to care for 12 infants.  Over time, the center grew to the current license of 60. 

In 2001, the Board of Trustees recognized a need for infant and toddler care in the community and expanded the facilities and services to provide care for infants and toddlers.  In 2007, our Board of Trustees, recognizing a need to expand literacy and language education to our preschool classroom collaborated with First Chance for Children to provide an early reading program to our preschool classroom (ages three to five years of age).  In the last thirty years HELC has adapted and provided the most adequate, safe and timely services to the children of Northern Boone County, and done so with continuous support from the Harrisburg Public Schools as well as, parents and community leaders. 

HELC was established in 1980.  The Center is a Missouri state licensed not-for-profit early childhood center and governed by a Board of Trustees. 

This means that we operate under certain rules and regulations as dictated and directed by the Missouri Department of Health, as contained in the Licensing Rules for Group Day Care Home and Child Care Centers in Missouri.  A copy is available in the office for your review. 

The licensing rules mandate that the staff at the Center report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. 

VISIT OUR CENTER 

We encourage families to visit our center before enrolling their child, look around, ask questions, and interact with the Center and staff.  We encourage all families, if possible, to bring your child and let them visit and interact with the other children, prior to enrollment. 

We have an open door policy.  If at any time you would like to visit with your child, you are welcome to do so, and we encourage involvement. Some ways to be involved are : Attend and plan social events and parties for your child's classroom, join the parent advisory committee, or join our Board of Directors.

 In addition, we welcome extended family to visit and see your child during the day.