Our History The Campus Preschool Center began as a result of a question.  The Rev. James Smith, Associate Pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church, asked, "How can JKPC be of service to the Stark Campus of Kent State University and Stark Technical College?"  This was asked of the Rev. Tom Douce, Co-Director of Interfaith Campus Ministry.  Tom responded that there was a need for child care for the children of Stark Campus students. This conversation led to the establishment of a Task Force involving John Knox, Interfaith, Kent State University Stark Campus, and Stark Technical College, plus community resources.

The result of the task force work was the establishment of the Campus Child Care Center, the original name of the center in January of 1977. The Campus Preschool Center opened as a joint venture between Interfaith Campus Ministry and John Knox Presbyterian Church.  It was designed to serve children of students, faculty, and staff on the Kent State University Stark Campus and Stark Technical College.  The doors opened with just a handful of children ages 2 ½ to 5.  Today we care for nearly 100 children (ages 6 weeks-10 years) through this joint venture.

 The Campus Preschool Center has been served by five Directors: Marilyn Tullys (1977) who also served on the Task Force developing the Center in 1976;  Donna Crile (1978-1983); Pam Wilzoch (1983-1986); Sandra Sichi (1986-1987); and Marcia Sprout (1986-Present).  We invite you to come see what 30 years can do!