Our Story
Trinity Cooperative Day Nursery (TCDN) was founded in 1972 by a group of visionary women at Swarthmore College who sought to challenge societal constraints on women's roles. They established a nurturing environment for children aged one to six in the basement of Trinity Episcopal Church, offering flexible care options for working families. TCDN's cooperative model allowed parents to contribute through volunteer work or a nominal fee, fostering a strong community spirit.
Over the years, TCDN has expanded its offerings significantly. In 1975, the family grouping model was introduced, which quickly gained popularity. By 1978, programming for school-age children began, leading to the establishment of several after-school clubs in the 1980s and 1990s, including the Swarthmore After School Club and the Nether Providence After School Club. TCDN's commitment to quality was recognized with NAEYC Accreditation, and the Leroy Stuppy Memorial Fun Run was initiated to support the TCDN Scholarship Fund.
As TCDN enters its fifth decade, it remains dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and care. The organization has achieved national accreditation for its programs and continues to participate in Pennsylvania Keystone STARS, ensuring continuous improvement in service quality. TCDN now serves approximately 250 families across seven programs at five locations, demonstrating its enduring commitment to excellence in early childhood education.