The late Dr. Susie C. Holley founded Cradle Nursery in the late 1940’s. As she watched the children of working parents playing throughout the streets in front of the First Baptist Church Piney Grove, she saw a need to bring the children together for care and safety; thus, providing an avenue for growth and guidance. The nursery was initially housed in the First Baptist Church Piney Grove building.

Dr. Holley, a strong advocate for the education and welfare of African-Americans, particularly children, organized a Board of Directors. Mrs. Holley and the Board solicited the support of community leaders and various organizations to help construct a facility. One such organization was the Pilot Club of Fort Lauderdale, which donated the land and raised funds to help construct the site where Cradle has been located for the past 47 years.

Cradle Nursery was renamed Susie C. Holley Cradle Nursery, Inc. in honor of Dr. Holley having founded the nursery, and in recognition of her contributions to education and the community at-large.

Today, the Susie C. Holley Cradle Nursery, Inc. remains in the heart of Broward County’s Northwest Community serving the needs of families as well as meeting the developmental needs of children. Current plans include a campaign to raise funds for capital improvement and program expansion.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Susie C. Holley Cradle Nursery, Inc. is to establish an environment that will aid each child in becoming the very best that he or she is capable of being.

We believe that success is contingent upon the child’s concept of himself and his environment. Emotional stability, physical well-being, intellectual assuredness, social adjustment and normal development are direct parallels to the development of a good, positive concept. We further believe that each child should be carefully and caringly guided and allowed to blossom at his/her individual rate of development.

Therefore, Susie C. Holley Cradle Nursery, Inc. provides a stimulating environment challenging and nurturing each child so he/she can become a viable, contributing, and well-adjusted individual to meet the diverse needs of an ever-changing society.

PROGRAMS

Cradle provides care for children ages two months to 9 years old in categories as follows:

• Infant
• Toddler
• Preschool
• Free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
• After-School
• Positive Behavior Support

SERVICES

• Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided through the federally funded Child Care Food Program.
• After-school pick-up from area elementary schools
• Child Care Subsidy and scholarship Programs
• Age appropriate field trips to supplement curriculum
• School-age care during summer months, winter and spring breaks, and teacher work days
• Empowerment programs that focus on parenting skills and leadership in the home and community

Thank you for supporting Susie C. Holley Cradle Nursery, Inc.