"Early childhood education is a collaboration between the center, it's families, and the neighboring community."

Michael Davey

Executive Director
Mt. Prospect Child Care Center

Michael was awarded the Level II Illinois Director Credential in December 2000. He has been the Executive Director of the Mt. Prospect Child Care Center for over 6 years and is currently working on a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Administration at National-Louis University.

Michael actually began his career in the early childhood field after coming from the world of construction as a general contractor. Since coming to Mt. Prospect Child Care Center in 1995, he has been very committed to increasing center quality, including working to obtain NAEYC accreditation for the center.

When asked what he feels early childhood education should be, Michael replies that it should be "a collaboration between the center, it's families, and the neighboring community." This belief is evident in many of the center's activities. Last August, the children in Mt. Prospect Child Care Center's Summer Explorers 2000 camp were the first to submit artifacts for the "Memories of the Future" Millennium Project, a community time capsule. This type of activity provides the children with an active learning experience and also offers them the opportunity to connect with their community.

Not only is Michael is a leader among early childhood professionals, he is a visible figure for other males in the field. He has presented at the Chicago Metro AEYC Annual Conference in 2001 on the topic of, "The Millennium Male - The Early Childhood Field - What is Expect of Us Today?" and also presented on the same topic in November 2000 at the Oakton's Men's Day.

When he gets some free time, Michael enjoys the outdoors, fishing, reading, and following all Chicago sports - especially the Bears. He and his wife of 10 years, Laura Lyn, have 2 beautiful daughters - Ashleen and MaryKate.