By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — After 45 years of serving generations across our community, the DeKalb Baptist Child Development Center, also known as the Mission Center, will be closing their doors on May 24.

Parents were notified on Friday that they needed to find alternative childcare.

At the present time, the school employees three teachers, a cook and a part-time daycare director.

According to Mission Center Board Member and previous Director of 12 years, Barbara Bell stated that low attendance was the primary cause for the center's closure.

The center currently serves students ages 2 1/2 to 12 years. They have 21 preschoolers and offer an after-school daycare for approximately 30 children.

The DeKalb Baptist Association will still use the building, only the daycare will be closing.

The Mission Center will be missed. We applaud their longtime, successful contributions to our community. Many friendships were made around the old tree in the playground that still lasts until today.