A national organization has confirmed what students and parents of River Road Church Preschool Development Center already thought: Their school is best in the nation.

The National Association of Child Care Professionals recently named the school -- at River Road Church, Baptist in western Henrico County -- the National Child Care Center of the Year.

"They stood out in a lot of ways," said NACCP executive director Sherry Workman. "It was easy to see how the school was all about children."

River Road Preschool Development Center was founded in 1972. It serves 330 children, 10 months through 5 years old. Margaret Collins has been center director of 20 years.

"We have dedicated ourselves to keeping current with developmental practices for children and brain research," Collins said. "We have a lot of unique curriculum."

River Road has a Spanish music program, a guidance program to learn problem-solving strategies and after-class activities including cooking and science. In addition, said Collins, the school has several outreach programs and involvement in community activities.

This month Collins will receive the 2008 Career Achievement Award from Meredith College in North Carolina, where she received her undergraduate degree.
Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or lcrutchfield@timesdispatch.com.