SALISBURY — Asbury Child Development Center has seen generations of Lower Shore residents pass through its preschool programs for 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds.

Some former students have sent their own children to the center. Some of the teachers have taught children of former students. A few of those former students are now teaching alongside their former Asbury Child Development Center teachers.

Located at Asbury United Methodist Church, just south of Salisbury University on Camden Avenue, the center’s preschool and kindergarten programs have blessed parents and children alike with friendships and fond memories, some of which remain with them for life.

“For me it’s come full circle,” said Jen Shipe, a teacher. “I attended when Jean Oakley was the director, and one of my teachers was Mrs. (Danna) Abbott. Three of my four children attended ACDC, and now I am teaching in the same classroom where Mrs. Abbott taught me.”

To walk into the building is to feel surrounded by friends; abundant smiles and cheery greetings fill the air. The office furniture includes a few child-size chairs to help make the room feel welcoming to even the smallest 2-year-old.

Asbury Child Development Center is neither a daycare center nor a babysitting service. A community ministry of Asbury United Methodist, it does not offer a religious curriculum. What it does offer is a safe, loving environment with structured activities designed to help children develop appropriate social and mental skills — without the pressure of a fully academic classroom, and at a reasonable cost to parents.

Education professionals and researchers believe young children learn best through play, and Asbury Child Development Center embraces this concept, which has been built into the daily schedule of activities.

Angie McLaughlin also attended Asbury Child Development Center, and all four of her children also attended. She, like Shipe, now teaches there. “What I love about ACDC is how we’ve kept the important aspects of childhood,” she said. “We try to hold onto the excitement of childhood through play. I really think we’ve done a good job holding onto the best parts of each decade the school has existed by offering a current curriculum but retaining things that make childhood special.”

Sharon Dashiell has the distinction of being the first certified early childhood teacher to work in Wicomico County Public Schools; she was hired in 1972. Now retired, she joined the Asbury Child Development Center board of directors 18 years ago and has served as president for the past 15 years.

“We recognize the needs of each age group and are careful not to make this a stressful experience for these young children,” Dashiell said.

The center has created its own traditions, which include special events to celebrate holidays and more. Those include a Thanksgiving feast, a Mother’s Day Tea in a garden, St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Hunt, and Donuts with Dad. These events are purposely not commercialized.

Casey Taylor has served as director of Asbury Child Development Center since January 2016. Her youngest child attended that same year.

“For example, we celebrate Mother’s Day as a group,” she said, “and it’s not a lesson. It’s a tradition.”

“The program has grown,” said Shipe, “but our core values and traditions are the same, a priority, really. We remember this place as we experienced it as children, our children remember it that way and now we are able to do the same for our current parents and children.”

Center will also dedicate playground, memorial area

In addition to celebrating a 60-year anniversary, Asbury Child Development Center will dedicate its new playground and memorial area Sunday, May 5. The dedication begins at 11:30 a.m.

The playground, a $200,000 project, was designed to be safe and age-appropriate. The base of the playground, which previously was mulch, is now a poured rubber product that is cushioned and feels slightly springy while walking.

Activities will include a small petting zoo and a few games.

“We intentionally have provided only a few small games because we want the children attending to play on the new playground. We want to see the vision come to life,” said Angie McLaughlin, one of 11 current teachers at the center. McLaughlin attended the program as a child, and her own children attended as well.

Fundraising efforts have covered much of the cost, and support from community businesses have helped defray expenses as well. Collins Wharf Sod donated materials; Johnson Seed & Feed provided manpower; and Bryan LeCompte, owner of Yard Designs, assisted with the design and vision.

Donations will continue to be accepted to help close a fundraising gap of about $40,000.