Where High-Quality Care & Learning Unite
Focused, Play-Based Growth
In Your Community Since 2008
Where High-Quality Care & Learning Unite
Focused, Play-Based Growth
In Your Community Since 2008
Preschool & Child Care Center Serving Defiance & Van Wert, OH
A Mission To Keep The Fun In Early Learning
HDC is on a mission to keep the fun in early learning through hands-on, play-based activities that allow each child to explore and discover the world at their own pace.
Our C.H.I.E.F. Values Drive Everything We Do
Communication
We believe in effective communication that helps families and staff share important information about children. We use Procare® as a way to keep in constant contact with parents about their child and the center.
Helpfulness
We believe that families and staff can model being helpful daily by being caring and considerate when engaging in communication with each other and with the children. We are always ready to give help in any way we can.
Intention With Integrity
We believe that integrity is the bedrock of a trustworthy organization and aim to be intentional with our integrity every day. To be intentional means to act purposefully with a goal in mind and to have a plan for accomplishing it. Our goal is to provide top-quality child care you can depend on.
Excellence
We believe that every child deserves excellence in our early learning program and services to make a difference in their lives and our communities. We promote effective relationships and commit to achieving the greatest levels of excellence in childcare, education, and everything we do by being highly professional, innovative, creative, and efficient.
Fun
We believe in maintaining a positive atmosphere for our children and staff that everyone enjoys. Keeping the fun in early learning encourages children to grow through creative play and structured daily schedules while fostering strong values like respect, empathy, responsibility, and kindness.
Family-Owned & Operated To Provide The Best For You
Owner and administrator Heather McMonigal fulfilled a lifelong dream of providing high-quality child care and education when she obtained her license in 2001 and opened the first HDC center in 2008. She opened the second and third locations in 2018 and 2022.
She is a member of the board of the Ohio Association of Child Care Providers, she holds a Child Development Associate® credential, a Fitness & Nutrition certificate, a Defiance County Leadership certification, and is working towards her Dream Manager™ certification.
Heather is passionate about caring for children and helping them learn and grow into their best selves!
Proud To Be Awarded The Highest 5-Star Rating From by Step Up to Quality Ohio
Blended Curricula & A Holistic Approach To Hands-On Learning
In a Montessori- and Forest School-inspired environment, teachers use the proven, play-based Learning Beyond Paper™ curriculum, regular STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities, and diverse enrichments to give your child a well-rounded, hands-on learning experience.
The Highest-Educated Early Childhood Staff In Defiance
Your child learns from the most highly-educated early childhood teachers in Defiance County. 95% of lead teachers hold a Child Development Associate® credential or higher degree, and 100% of assistant teachers have a Career Pathway Level 2 or higher certification.
Always Feel Welcome With Fun, Festive Family Events
Enjoy the camaraderie of fun events like the fall festival, celebratory luncheons, and holiday gatherings. Your family is part of our family when everyone comes together as a community to support the children and each other.
Employing Eco-Practices For A Healthier Future
By using BPA-free bottles and sippy cups, avoiding toys that contain PVC, filtering all drinking water, and recycling materials for arts and crafts projects, we build a healthier present for your child and a brighter future for the planet.
Come See Why HDC Is
Where Children Come to be!
How Old Is Your Child?
Bears
6 weeks -
12 months
Bucks
13 months -
18 months
Moose
19 months -
24 months
Mallards
25 months -
36 months
Geese
36 months -
5 years old
Eagles
5 years -
12 years old
