History

In the beginning, the “Day School” was the alternative to being a resident at the CHDC (known then as the Children’s Colony).  It was formed during a time when children who were “trainable” were not served in the public school system.  A few parents got together because they wanted their children to live at home and receive an education during the day.  In February of 1961,with 5 students, a classroom in the basement of the Methodist Church, a retired school teacher, Mama Noyne Haynes, and a budget of $2,400 a year, Faulkner County Day School was born.

In 1963, Miss Ethel Wilson donated 3 lots on Martin and Elizabeth Streets for a building that was built by our founding mothers, the Junior Auxillary. In 1964, they held the first open house.

In 1966, the State Teachers College (now UCA), assumed operation of the school.  Mrs. Shirley Henderson was the director and long time board member.  The first bus was purchased in 1968. In 1975, laws were passed (IDEA) that stated that all children had the right to a Free And Public Education, so in the late 70’s, children that were being served by FCDS went into the public schools.  At the time, the Board had to decide whether to keep the school open or close and call it a success.

The Board decided that there were both adults and young children who needed services and in 1979, the adult and children’s programs opened in the same building on Elizabeth Street.  In 1983, Work Force moved into their own building with Tom Erbach in charge.  In that same year, the Board hired Ruth Castleberry as Executive Director and Ruth hired Teresa Little as the children’s program director.  In 1987, a regular daycare was added along with early intervention. And in 1996, Milestones moved to its present location on South Blvd.  There has also been additions to Work Force, adding ACS (Waiver) a few years ago, with Penny Castilaw as director.

So, as you can see, there have been many changes throughout the years with Faulkner County Day School.  And now there is one more change, our name, to Milestones Services, Inc.