Meet Derek Holman

Shepherding Little Hearts with Wisdom and Grace

With a gentle strength and watchful gaze, Derek Holman has guided children for three remarkable decades, creating a haven where children are truly treasured. His 30 years of dedicated service reflect a divine calling to nurture young lives during their most formative years. As Director, Derek doesn’t simply manage a facility—he cultivates a community where children develop the roots of faith, confidence, and curiosity that will sustain them throughout life.

When parents entrust their most precious gifts to A Child’s Touch, they’re welcomed by a leader who treats each child as a unique creation. Derek’s leadership has transformed our center into a place where children aren’t just cared for but celebrated, encouraged, and inspired to discover their God-given potential. His commitment to excellence is matched only by his genuine love for the children and families he serves.

Decades of Dedicated Service

Derek’s journey spans thirty years of unwavering commitment to early childhood development. During this time, he’s joyfully witnessed countless first steps, first words, and first friendships—sacred milestones that parents share with our center. Beyond simply being present, Derek’s impact comes from being purposeful in every interaction, every decision, and every program he oversees.

His extensive credentials in early childhood education represent a lifetime of learning and growing to provide exceptional care for children from infancy through kindergarten. Rather than resting on experience alone, Derek continually seeks new insights and approaches that honor each child’s unique development path. This blend of experience and innovation ensures that every child receives the individualized attention they need during these pivotal early years.

A Philosophy Rooted in Faith and Care

At the heart of Derek’s approach is a simple yet profound belief: every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and valued as a precious gift. This philosophy forms the foundation of everything he does at A Child’s Touch, from designing age-appropriate learning environments to fostering a culture where kindness and respect flourish naturally.

Derek understands that creating space for spiritual growth happens in everyday moments—through the gentle guidance of a teacher, the wonder of discovering God’s creation on our playground, or the practice of gratitude at snack time. Under his leadership, our center weaves these values seamlessly into daily activities, helping children develop not just academically but spiritually and emotionally as well. His approach ensures that children feel supported as they explore, learn, and grow into the people they were created to be.

Creating Magical Childhoods Daily

“Where A Magical Childhood Comes to Life” isn’t just a slogan at A Child’s Touch—it’s Derek’s heartfelt mission each day. He treasures childhood as a fleeting, sacred time and works tirelessly to make every moment meaningful for the children in our care. His eyes light up with genuine joy when he walks through our classrooms, taking time to kneel down and engage with children at their level.

Under his thoughtful guidance, our center transforms ordinary days into extraordinary adventures of discovery. From the nurturing warmth of our infant rooms to the kindergarten readiness programs, Derek ensures every aspect of our curriculum balances academic growth with emotional and spiritual development. Whether it’s a science experiment that sparks curiosity about God’s creation or a storytime that nurtures imagination, Derek’s gentle influence is evident throughout our programs, creating childhood memories that will last a lifetime.

Building Relationships That Last

Derek believes childcare isn’t just about watching over children—it’s about watching them grow into the people God designed them to be. His approach centers on building meaningful connections with both children and families, creating a support network that extends beyond our walls. Parents often comment on how Derek remembers specific details about their children’s personalities, preferences, and milestones, making them feel truly valued during these important early years.

This gift for relationship-building comes from Derek’s genuine interest in each family’s journey. He understands that parents are entrusting A Child’s Touch with their most precious blessing, and he honors that trust with attentive care and open communication. It’s not uncommon for parents to describe Derek as an extension of their own family—a trusted partner in nurturing their child’s development. Many families who began with us decades ago still maintain connections with Derek, a testament to the lasting impact of his leadership.

Beyond the Classroom: Heart for Community

Derek’s passion for mentoring young hearts doesn’t end when he leaves A Child’s Touch. As an active basketball coach in the community, he extends his guidance to older children, demonstrating the same patience, encouragement, and wisdom that defines his leadership at our center. His coaching philosophy mirrors his approach to childcare: focus on character development, celebrate progress, and always lead with kindness.

When not guiding our childcare community, Derek recharges by connecting with nature through camping trips with his family. These adventures reflect his appreciation for God’s creation and his belief in experiential learning—something he brings back to enhance the outdoor curriculum at A Child’s Touch. Whether leading children on a nature walk or helping them plant their first seeds in our garden, Derek ensures that children have opportunities to explore and wonder at the world around them, fostering a sense of gratitude for the beauty of creation.

Bringing Christ’s Love to A Child’s Touch

As Director, Derek serves as the heartbeat of our Christ-centered, non-denominational program. His leadership creates an atmosphere where faith is lived rather than simply taught. Children experience Christian values through the loving care they receive, the grace-filled guidance during conflicts, and the joy of discovery that permeates our classrooms. Derek’s gentle approach ensures that children from all backgrounds feel welcomed and cherished.

What truly distinguishes Derek’s leadership is how he embodies our center’s core values in every interaction. Parents and staff alike witness his patience, integrity, and compassion daily. In Derek’s hands, A Child’s Touch becomes more than a childcare center—it becomes a mission field where young lives are nurtured with purpose and love. Through his example, children learn that faith isn’t something reserved for Sundays but a living relationship that guides how we treat others and understand our world. Under his faithful stewardship, A Child’s Touch continues to be a place where children experience the wonder of childhood while building the foundation for a lifetime of faith, learning, and growth.