WS Chronicle

Since 1998, Church Childcare Center in Walkertown has provided high quality early education and care for young children across Forsyth County. Theressa Stephens began from humble beginnings in her home with just two students. Last week, dozens gathered to witness Stephens break ground on a new facility that will have room to hold 200 students.

Stephens, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Winston-Salem State University, and a master’s in birth to kindergarten education from Salem College, said when she began the journey 20 years ago, her vision was to support students as well as their families. She said that vision and their motto is what has kept Church Childcare Center in the community

“Our motto is: ‘This is your child’s home away from home.’ We want our children to feel comfortable and our parents to feel comfortable as well. We encourage parents to come in and volunteer and just be a part of our family,” Stephen said.

In just two years, enrollment increased and Church Childcare Center was registered as a “large child care facility.” In 2005 a new facility was built on Poindexter Street in Walkertown, where they have been ever since. Today, nearly 100 students are enrolled at Church Childcare Center. The new facility, which will include a gymnasium, will have space for nearly 200 students.

“We’ve outgrown our space. We always have a waiting list, so we are looking at how we can better serve people in our community,” she said.

Along with continuing to provide quality early education and support for families in the community, Stephens said with the addition of the gymnasium, Church Childcare Plus will focus on physical fitness and healthy eating.

During the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Feb. 9, Winston-Salem City Council Member and Mayor Tempore Vivian Burke, Walkertown Mayor Kenneth Davis, and Reginald McCaskill, founder of the Triad Minority Business Expo wished Stephens luck on the new facility, which is scheduled to be completed later this year.

When discussing the past and the future of the business that started in her home Stephens said, “We’ve just been blessed. My purpose in life is to work with children and it’s wonderful once you know what your purpose is. In 2005 we stepped out on faith and we’re stepping out on faith again.”