Jefferson City Day Care Center celebrated its 50th anniversary by unveiling its new name.
As of today, the agency, located at 1002 Myrtle Ave., will be known as Little Explorers Discovery Center.
"I have worked here for 34 years, so I've seen a lot of change," LEDC Director Donna Scheidt said. "I think our new name represents a new start for the center. We're looking forward to new beginnings."
Scheidt said the word "Little" is in honor of Rosalie Little, the agency's former director, while the rest of the name highlights who they are serving.
"We wanted a name that serves all clients and one where people wouldn't get us confused with other United Way of Central Missouri agencies," Scheidt said. "Our clients come from Holt Summit, Eugene, Linn and other places outside of the city."
She noted the term "day care center" is outdated because the center is accredited, offering more than just babysitting services.
The center first opened in 1966 with a group of volunteer parents from Church Women United who wanted to offer child care services in the area. Its first classroom opened in 1967, and it became a United Way agency in 1970.
"The center really is much more than a day care," Board of Directors President Mike Downey said. "It has evolved into a place where parents can take their kids to learn and grow, just like what we are doing with this change."
Downey emphasized how the center has continued to evolve, especially after purchasing its building from the Jefferson City Housing Authority in 2012.
In the past three years, the center also renovated its kitchen, which serves breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack to the children Monday through Friday.
Currently, the center is renovating its playground, Assistant Director Crystal White said.
This is just one more step in that direction, she said.
Since the center's beginning, the local United Way has provided funds to the agency to facilitate its sliding scale fee - meaning no matter a family's financial status, they can still afford to send their child to the center.
"This is just our way of helping families who may have a financial issue overcome that burden," Scheidt said Thursday. "We're very glad the community can help us celebrate; today, we've seen at least two generations of students."
Longtime supporter Linda McAnany said Scheidt and the staff have done an outstanding job.
"Every year, they continue to upgrade their expectations and make constant improvements in the classrooms, playrooms and playground areas," McAnany said. "Every time they make a decision, it's based upon the how they can improve child care and learning experience for the children they serve."
"(The LEDC) is a wonderful opportunity for people in our community to have access to great child care. We're very fortunate to have this agency in our community," McAnany added.