Mary “Winky” Francis, director of CCPC Nursery School saw that one boy had difficulties that limited his ability to function in a normal classroom. The nursery school lacked the resources to meet his needs and research found no facilities to adequately deal with his problems in Prince George’s County. Winky consulted Dr. Jim Wise, a clinical psychologist and with the help of Audrey Scott, a CCPC Church member, the three brought to fruition the Bowie Therapeutic Nursery Center.
With the incorporation in March of 1973, approvals from Maryland Departments of Health and Education followed. Funding was the first of many hurdles. Winky contributed the first $25. The father of the first student secured an interest-free bank loan. CCPC and other benefactors helped. Later, funding from the State of Maryland, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the United Way became mainstays for the program.
The nursery became a private, non-profit, non-sectarian center with a mission to provide educational and psychological services to children, ages 2 to 5 (currently 3 to 5), and their families. While BTNC had state certification early on, in 1996 it became the first licensed therapeutic nursery in Maryland.
The shared site of the therapeutic center and the CCPC Nursery School allowed the development of multi-level programs. Children who needed close supervision and support were housed in two self-contained classrooms. Those who could function in larger groups were mainstreamed into regular CCPC classrooms. Teachers from both schools collaborated to monitor the children’s progress. A family counselor worked with the parents and family of each child.
In 1976, a new federal law mandated public school systems to serve ALL children, regardless of disabilities. With Prince George’s County accepting the more severely disturbed children, the nursery turned its attention to children who did not fit into county programs and could fall between the cracks of existing services. Students now included children who had been abused, those who were at-risk, those with severe language disabilities, and those who suffered the loss of a parent. At this point, one classroom closed, but was reopened in 1990 as referrals again increased.
The center’s program was expanded in 1987 to offer consultation to county day care and nursery centers where teachers need help dealing with children with behavior problems. For a nominal fee, a consultant observes individual children and offers interventions to ease problematic behaviors.
The program expanded in two ways in 1996. Although the center had always had a parent education component, it was difficult to get good attendance. Therefore, the center introduced family dinner/parent education nights. During the school year, BTNC families are invited for monthly dinners that feed the whole family. After dinner, children are taken to supervised activities while parent and guardians meet with the clinical social worker for parent education and group support. The second was the innovation of a year-long training program for doctoral-level psychology extems. These externs provide psychological testing and play therapy under the supervision of the clinical psychologist.
In 1997, BTNC formed a collaboration with Prince George's Community College to train county educators in the appropriate measures to serve special needs children and to enhance the creativity of child care staffs.
In order to offer more wrap around services to families, BTNC bought a van in 1982 to provide transportation to and from the center for BTNC enrolled children. This was upgraded to a center bus in 1993. In 1998, BTNC expanded from a morning only program and offered extended day care. This continuum of therapeutic care gives parents/guardians day care till 3 P.M.
The nursery has changed with the times and the need. The road has not been an easy one, but BTNC thrives on its reputation and the growing need for early intervention services. Funding continues to be a concern with state cutbacks, recent local United Way financial losses, and a difficult economy. More and more, BTNC depends on community groups, individuals and foundations for support.
Success would not be possible without the numerous contributors, staff members, volunteers and caring individuals whose tireless work and selfless dedication keep the center going. Thank you for being one of those caring souls who care about the future of children and BTNC.