BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 4 Fall 2025 This daycare center is an example of community at its best Meeting a Community Need After the closure of several in-home daycares, a group of local philanthropists got together in 2021 to discuss the possibility of helping to fill that void by providing much-needed childcare in Doniphan County. With assistance from USD 111, the idea of utilizing the Highland grade school building at 202 West Illinois Street as a daycare center became a reality—after researching the rules/regulations, communicating with many entities and individuals, acquiring funding, and getting the necessary licenses and permits. Doniphan Darlings offers a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children while their parents are working outside the home. Its mission states: “Doniphan Darlings is a group of community-minded individuals who are committed to the health, education, safety, and overall well-being of each child entrusted to our care.” Programs are available for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children ages 6-12 who attend school full time and need care before and after school. A drop-in program for part-time care is also offered, subject to availability. On average, about 26 children attend Doniphan Darlings, and there are 14 teachers and five substitutes. Teamwork of Board, Staff, Parents, and Community ProgramDirector Mackenzie Cunningham is a Highland native whose passion for child welfare began with babysitting during college and earning a degree in social work. What is Cunningham most proud of when it comes to Doniphan Darlings? Doniphan Darlings Doniphan Darlings officially opened its doors to start serving families on July 11, 2022. However, the daycare center’s journey began in 2021. Cheryl Huff (left) and Sara Moore (far right) joins students of Doniphan Darlings for a story read by Rainbow employee, Taylor Jacobsen Makenzie Cunningham
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