State of the art facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
By Rachel Marshall, principal and Dr. Jim Beers, reporter
CHESTER, Ill. — The Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opened its doors to students for the first time on August 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for early education in Randolph County. After months of preparation, long hours, and the dedicated efforts of staff and administration, the center welcomed its first group of eager learners into a warm and engaging environment.
Melissa Davitz, Pre K Coordinator said, “The center features four full-day preschool classrooms designed to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. In addition, the facility includes an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom, offering half-day morning and afternoon.”
“The Pre-K program in Chester has been operating for over 30 plus years. Pre-K is largely funded through ISBE utilizing state grant funding. The new CECC gives the families of Chester a jump start on their child’s education. The addition of the third campus has allowed Pre-K to increase their enrollment from 55 students to 80 students.”
“Any families that wish to enroll their children, must simply call 618-822-0829 to schedule a screening appointment. Pre-K is Monday through Thursday from 7:45-2:45 and on Friday from 7:45-1:30. While at school, children are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack.”
“There is no cost to the families to have a child in Pre-K, Pre-K is always free. All of us at the CECC are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to work in this new location. This is such a wonderful blessing for the community of Chester. We are all excited to watch this program grow and watch the children of Chester succeed,” said Davitz.
Principal Rachell Marshall said, “Serving families beyond the classroom, Chester Early Childhood Center is also home to the Prevention Initiative and ISBE grant funded program—a vital birth-to-three service that supports families throughout Randolph County.”
“Through home visits, this program partners with parents and caregivers to promote healthy development and school readiness. The center also organizes many group events in various communities in Randolph County, providing opportunities for parents to connect, engage in activities with their children, and build lasting support networks.”
To celebrate this exciting new chapter, the public was invited to an Open House on September 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Visitors had the chance to tour the building.
“I am truly blessed to have the best staff working in this building,” said Mrs. Marshall. “Everyone worked incredibly hard to get everything ready for our students—from moving furniture to setting up classrooms and resources. It’s been a fantastic start to the school year, and we are beyond excited for what’s ahead.”
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, said, “We are currently finishing some punch list items, but everything is open and functioning well at this time. This Early Childhood Center and its programming is really critical for the children and will have a huge impact on the community of Chester. The all-day program will help families. This was a huge top item on my list! Five years from now we will really see the impact on the children wop attended the Center.”
Principal Marshall said, “We have increased our availability to families from about 55 places to 80 full-time opportunities. This will have a huge impact to help families that are enrolled here. To date, everything is going really well and all seems to be running smoothly. When a problem does arise, we all work together to solve the issue and keep everything functioning. We have a great team!
The Chester Early Childhood Center stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of the Chester School Board and Superintendent Mrs. Briggs, whose leadership made this initiative a reality. Their investment in early childhood education is a gift to the entire community, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all children in Randolph Co
For more information about programs or enrollment, please contact the Chester Early Childhood Center directly. 618-822-0829
Chester Early Childhood Center Teachers and Staff
Rachel Marshall, Principal
Melissa Davitz, Pre-K Coordinator
Becky Gielow- preschool teacher
Ellyce Blaizer- Mrs. Gielow’s SIU Student Teacher
Brandie Stefani- cook
Michelle McConnell- cook
Brandy Gendron- paraprofessional
Caitlin Schwarz- preschool teacher
Cassie Venus- paraprofessional
Debbie Jany-Head custodian
Denise McClain- EC Special Education teacher
Gina Hafertepe- paraprofessional
Jada Berry- PI/ Birth to Three, Chester/Ellis Grove area
Jenny Krantz- preschool teacher
Kim Gross-paraprofessional
Kyra Heck- paraprofessional
Lindsey Hargis- Preschool teacher
Mallory Leathers- paraprofessional
Melissa Davitz- Pre-K Coordinator
Melissa Duncan-PI/ Birth to Three, Red Bud/Prairie Du Rocher area
Rachel Vasquez- paraprofessional
Rebecca Hanna- Administrative Assistant
Shane Martinez-Head Cook not pictured
Vicki Thompson- PI/ Birth to Three, Sparta/Steeleville area
Principal Marshall said, “We had a very successful Open House Saturday September 13. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tours and the opportunity to see the facility up close and personal.”
“On Thursday night October 16 we will be hosting a Family Fun Night on the Memorial Hospital in Chester parking lot. It will take place in front of the new Clinic from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be a “Touch-a-Truck” opportunity for the kids and a variety of other attractions to entertain and hold their interest. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend. More information will be announced as the plan unfolds!”
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, proudly stands on the front porch of the new Chester Early Childhood Center at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Briggs was instrumental in making the new facility a reality. Jim Beers Photo
Rachel Marshall, Principal of the new Chester Early Childhood Center, takes time out from her busy schedule at the ribbon cutting event, to take a photo in front of the dedication Plaque at the new center. Jim Beers Photo
Teachers, administration, Board of Education members, and Superintendent
Rebecca Hannah
This is the friendly face that greets students, parents, and guests as they enter the lobby of the Chester Early Childhood Center. Rebacca Hannah, Administrative Assistant, is excited to welcome all visitors to the new center on a daily basis. Jim Beers Photo
Playground
Children get a chance to experience the state-of-the-art playground at the Chester Early Childhood Center. On all good weather days students enjoy their time on the playground. Jim Beers Photo
First Day of School
Students arrive at the Chester Early Childhood Center on the first day of school August 14. Faculty and staff anxiously await the arrival of their students throughout the early morning. All went well and Day No. 1 took off without a hitch! Jim Beers Photo
KITCHEN
Students at the Chester Early Childhood Center receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. This is the kitchen located on the lower level of the facility and does a great job of serving the students. Jim Beers Photo
Meeting Room
This large meeting room at the Chester Early Childhood Center will double as the new official meeting room of the District Board of Education. Jim Beers Photo
Classroom
The classrooms at the Chester Early Childhood Center are state-of-the-are and are fully and beautifully furnished. The center features four full-day pre-school classrooms and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. Jim Beers Photo