At Wilma Valentine Childcare, our mission has always been simple yet powerful — to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children of all developmental abilities can learn, grow, and thrive together. Every day, our dedicated teachers and caregivers create moments of discovery, joy, and belonging for preschool-aged children right here in Shelby County.
The Heart of Our Mission: Our People
Behind every child’s smile is a caring, committed professional who believes in the potential of every child — no matter their abilities or challenges. The staff at Wilma Valentine Childcare makes inclusion possible. They help each child build confidence, friendships, and skills that will last a lifetime.
Providing this level of individualized care requires not only passion but also the ability to attract and retain high-quality staff who are deeply committed to early childhood development. As a small nonprofit organization, we work diligently to ensure our employees receive the compensation and support they deserve — yet this remains one of our greatest ongoing challenges.
Why Match Day Matters
On the Community Foundation of Shelby County’s Match Day, your generosity goes even further. Every dollar you donate is matched (up to the first $5,000 total), helping your gift make twice the impact for children and families in our community.
This year, our Match Day goal is focused on strengthening the foundation of our childcare program — our staff. Funds raised through Match Day will help cover staff expenses, including salaries, benefits, and related costs. By investing in our team, we ensure that Wilma Valentine Childcare continues to deliver high-quality, inclusive services for children of all developmental abilities.
Investing in Quality Through People
Competitive wages and benefits are not just financial commitments — they are investments in the heart of our mission. When we can offer competitive compensation, we are better able to:
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Retain experienced teachers and caregivers who build lasting relationships with our children and families.
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Attract skilled professionals passionate about inclusive education and child development.
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Maintain the low staff-to-child ratios that allow us to provide the individualized attention each child deserves.
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Sustain program excellence, ensuring every child in our care is supported, encouraged, and celebrated for who they are.
How You Can Help
When you give to Wilma Valentine Childcare through Match Day, your gift does more than support a program — it supports people. It supports the teachers who patiently guide children through new milestones. It supports the caregivers who ensure every child feels safe, included, and valued. And ultimately, it supports the children who are building the social, emotional, and academic foundations for lifelong success.
Your donation on Match Day helps us continue our tradition of inclusion, enrich the lives of young learners, and provide our dedicated staff with the stability and recognition they deserve.
Together, we can make sure that every child — regardless of ability — has the opportunity to thrive in an environment filled with understanding, compassion, and joy.
