The Children's Development Center began as a project of the Williamsport Rotary Club in 1923. A vision to aid one young man with polio quickly grew to include 61 area children within the same year. With the cooperation of an orthopedic surgeon who traveled from Philadelphia to Williamsport every month and donations of beds and services by the Williamsport Hospital; Pennsylvania's first known orthopedic clinic was started.

The Lycoming County Crippled Children's Society, Inc. received its charter in 1932. In the seven decades since then, services have been designed to meet the ever-changing needs within the community. We have gone from meeting the needs of children afflicted with polio in the 1930's through an entire spectrum of services that now includes improving the lives of children with a large variety of disabilities; including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.

In response of those evolving needs, the Board of Directors voted to change the agency's name to more effectively reflect our role. On June 5, 1989, the Lycoming County Crippled Children's Society officially became the Children's Development Center.

From a humble beginning to working with over 400 children from birth to 21 years of age each year, the Children's Development Center continues to meet the ever-changing needs of children with special needs. New programs, new services, new treatment plans and continually updated and revised efforts to help children and families.

Our efforts continue ………

In October 2009 Dr. Richard Dowell joined us as our Clinical Director.  Dr. Dowell is a Neuropsychologist working with children with behavioral and psychological needs.  He has helped families to understand how to encourage their child with needs such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defience Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Developmental Delay, and a variety of other psychological and behavioral disorders to function at their highest ability.  Dr. Dowell shares the vision of helping children reach their full potential that has been the priority of Children's Development Center for nearly 90 years.

2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

President – Barry Rake

First Vice-President - Angie Alexander

Second Vice-President – Barb Natell M.S. Ed., OTR/L

Secretary – Theresa Moff

Treasurer – Thomas Marnon, Jr.

Executive Director - Anthony Perotta

Directors

Thomas F. Barbario, III D.M.D.

Matthew Cramer

Dr. Sue Gaylor

Jerry L. Girardi

Robert Gudgel

G. David Gundy

Dean Kriebel

James L. Muffly, Jr.

Jane Orelli

Dr. John F. Piper, Jr.

Charles M. Plankenhorn

Linda Prior

Larry H. Sanders

Jeffery B. Smith

Charles Springman

Margery S. Wurster