The Children's Center

08/26/2026

Today, The Children’s Center is pausing to honor a true champion of childhood: the incomparable Dolly Parton. 🦋

Dolly gifted hundreds of millions of books to kids worldwide, making it her mission to ensure every child could experience the magic of reading. But her impact on children goes even deeper. Dolly was the perfect role model because she showed kids the beautiful power of being unapologetically true to yourself. She taught children everywhere that if you embrace exactly who you are, you can chase down your biggest dreams. She did not just tell kids to dream, she gave them the tools to do it.

In honor of Dolly's beautiful life, and in keeping with her family's wishes, we encourage our community to honor her memory today by simply taking a moment to read a book with a child you love.

Thank you, Dolly, for painting the world with your vibrant spirit and showing every single child that they matter. We will always love you. ❤️📚

08/25/2026

If you’ve peeked into the Pelicans classroom lately, you already know: Ms. Shelby’s smile lights up the whole room! ✨

From diving into a good book and jumping into playtime to helping with lessons and getting hands (and maybe a little paint) messy during art projects, Ms. Shelby brings joy, patience, and so much heart to every moment with our Pelicans.

Our two- and three-year-olds are incredibly lucky to have her helping them learn, play, and grow each day! 🐧

Thank you, Ms. Shelby, for loving our toddlers so well! We’re so grateful for you. 💛

08/24/2026

We’re so excited for this event! Hope you can join us 😊

"Concert for the Kids" Returns to Poseidon on October 21, Featuring Pretty Darn

Long before he was singing on rooftops, Nick Poulin was sitting in a classroom at The Children's Center. On Wednesday, October 21st, he'll return to the organization that helped raise him, taking the stage at Poseidon Rooftop — one of Hilton Head's premier entertainment venues — as one half of beloved local band Pretty Darn for the return of Concert for the Kids, one of The Children's Center's signature annual fundraisers.

Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the concert running from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Since forming in 2016, Pretty Darn has captivated Lowcountry audiences with an infectious blend of pop, folk, and reggae. Singers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists Kyle Wareham and Nick Poulin bring rich harmonies and signature dual vocals to every performance, and chances to catch the full duo together are rare — making this homecoming show a genuinely special night, both for fans of the music and for anyone who believes in what a strong early childhood program can do for a kid.

This year's celebration wouldn't be possible without the incredible generosity of Poseidon Rooftop, which is graciously donating the venue and providing complimentary appetizers for all guests. Their partnership reflects the very spirit of Concert for the Kids: a community coming together to support its youngest members.

Tickets are just $25 — and every single one sold makes an immediate, tangible difference, directly supporting The Children's Center's mission to provide high-quality early education and care to the families who need it most. A limited number of VIP booths and tables are available for those looking to elevate their evening, so act fast, as these always go quickly. Guests can also try their luck in a raffle featuring baskets filled with local favorites and staycation experiences, with all proceeds benefiting The Children's Center.

This event is family-friendly, making it the perfect night out for everyone. Whether you're coming for the music, the mission, or the memories, there's something for everyone to enjoy, and a great cause behind every song.

More than just a concert, this event is a celebration of community and a powerful opportunity to support The Children's Center's mission. As one of our primary annual fundraisers, Concert for the Kids plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding our programs, ensuring every child in our care has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering a unique chance to connect with a broad and engaged audience while making a lasting impact in the lives of local children, their families, and the wider community. Sponsors will be recognized throughout the event and in promotional materials, showcasing their commitment to education and community development.

About The Children's Center: The Children's Center provides high-quality early education and care to Hilton Head area families, giving local children the foundation to learn, grow, and thrive — the same foundation that helped shape Nick Poulin's own path to the stage. Concert for the Kids is one of the organization's primary annual fundraisers, sustaining and expanding those programs each year.


Note to Editors: Members of the media are welcome to attend and are encouraged to reach out in advance to arrange interviews with Nick Poulin, Kyle Wareham, or Children's Center staff. Homecoming stories don't come around often — especially ones with a soundtrack.


Tickets can be purchased at https://thechildrenscentersc.org/concert-for-the-kids/. To learn more about sponsorships and the event, contact Marsha Watson, Development Manager, at 843-681-2739 x18 or [email protected].

08/24/2026

Last week was a very special time in our Butterflies classroom! 🦋

We were delighted to welcome residents from Holiday Indigo Pines Independent Senior Living, who spent time reading stories to our children. Sharing books across generations created meaningful connections and brought lots of smiles.

Thank you to our wonderful visitors for sharing your time, kindness, and love of reading with our Butterflies. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

08/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Annual Celebration Dinner & Auction this past March! We are already looking ahead to next year, and we want YOUR input.

What items would you love to see in our live or silent auction? Take our quick 3-minute survey to share your ideas:
🔗 https://tally.so/r/9qYdep

In other news, we are thrilled to announce that our 60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Auction will take place on May 6, 2027, at the Harbour Town Clubhouse! Six decades of serving Lowcountry families is a milestone worth celebrating in a big way.

Save the date and stay tuned for more details!✨

08/19/2026

3 things we wish every parent knew about early childhood education 💛

1. Play isn't a break from learning, it IS the learning.
When kids stack blocks, sort toys, or pretend to cook, they aren't just passing time. They’re experimenting with physics, building vocabulary, mastering spatial awareness, and figuring out how to solve problems when things collapse. You don't need flashcards; rich, unstructured play builds brain connections faster than structured lessons ever could.

2. Routines create safety, not rigidity.
Young kids can't read clocks, so they measure their world through sequence: First we eat, then we put on shoes, then we go outside. Predictable rhythms lower anxiety, reduce power struggles, and give children the emotional security they need to focus on exploring and learning instead of wondering what comes next.

3. Meltdowns aren't misbehavior, they're communication.
Big feelings are a sign of a developing brain, not a parenting failure. Young children experience adult-sized emotions without adult-sized self-regulation tools. They don't need us to fix their feelings or shame them for having them; they need us to stay calm, offer connection, and help them ride out the emotional wave until their brain resets.

Want more quick parenting and early learning tips each week? Follow along and share this with a fellow parent!

08/17/2026

Hilton Head Island has changed in so many beautiful ways, but one thing remains the same: children and families deserve a caring community where they can grow, learn, and thrive. The Children’s Center is proud to be part of that story then, now, and for the years ahead. 💛

What is your favorite memory of growing up or raising a family on Hilton Head Island?

08/14/2026

Concert for the Kids is BACK at the Poseidon Rooftop on Wednesday, October 21st!

We are thrilled to welcome local favorites Pretty Darn to the stage! Seeing Kyle Wareham and Nick Poulin perform together as a duo is a rare treat, and we are extra proud to welcome Nick back as a former student of The Children’s Center.

Grab your tickets for an incredible night of live music, stunning rooftop views, and complimentary light appetizers all while raising funds for early childhood education right here in our community.

Doors open at 5:30 PM and tickets will go fast! Head to the link in our bio to grab yours or explore sponsorship opportunities today.

Huge thanks to Rooftop Bar at Poseidon for your donations, and to all of our local sponsors for supporting our mission year after year!

———
📍 Poseidon Rooftop | Hilton Head Island, SC
🗓 Wednesday, October 21 | Doors at 5:30 PM
🎟 Tickets here: https://thechildrenscentersc.org/concert-for-the-kids

08/13/2026

Our TCC team had an important and meaningful learning experience with James Morrall, M.Ed., Director of Prevention & Outreach at Hopeful Horizons. James helped us learn more about recognizing child abuse and neglect, speaking with children, understanding our responsibilities as mandated reporters, and knowing where to turn for help.

We are so grateful to James for sharing his time, knowledge, and hands-on examples with us. Thank you to Hopeful Horizons for the incredible work you do to support children and families throughout our community!

08/11/2026

We are thrilled to announce a generous grant from Palmetto Electric Cooperative in support of our infant and toddler care programs!

Since December 2025, changes to state childcare funding have placed real strain on families across Beaufort and Jasper Counties, with more than half of the families we serve losing previously approved assistance and facing weekly cost increases of up to $170. For working parents, that kind of sudden cost shift can mean impossible choices between paying for care and keeping a job.

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is a cornerstone of community well-being. It enables parents to remain employed, reduces family stress, and ensures children receive the early education necessary for success in school and life. Decades of research demonstrate that high-quality early childhood education improves school readiness, reduces achievement gaps, strengthens workforce participation, and generates long-term economic returns for families and communities.

With community-supported funding such as Palmetto Electric Trust's Operation Round Up, The Children's Center works to:
Increase equitable access to affordable, high-quality early care for infants, toddlers, and young children
Improve kindergarten readiness and developmental outcomes
Strengthen family economic stability by enabling caregivers to obtain and maintain employment

We will measure our success through enrollment retention, readiness benchmarks, and family testimonials, demonstrating the lasting impact of Operation Round Up on the families and community we serve.

Thank you, Palmetto Electric Trust, for investing in our youngest learners and in the strength of our community!