Conway Welcomes Early Start Child Development Center with Joyous Celebration
What a fabulous Sunday afternoon it was in Conway as the community came together to celebrate a significant milestone—the grand opening of the Early Start Child Development Center. With over 60 friends, family, and community members in attendance, the event was filled with excitement, hope, and heartfelt moments. The festivities took place on November 3rd at 1931 Fulmer St., and it truly felt like a party for the whole town!
A Gathering of Support
The atmosphere was buzzing with joy as attendees gathered to witness the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Among those participating were local dignitaries and community leaders, including Conway Mayor Barbara Blain, City Council members Larry White and Julie Hardwick, as well as Kristen and Justin Gamble, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Georgetown. The Guiles family—owners Johnathan and Sonya Guiles, along with their children Sonjai and Zyon—beamed with pride as they prepared to unveil this beautiful new facility for children.
A Labor of Love
Speaking to the crowd, Sonya Guiles shared the journey leading up to this moment. “Preparing for today has not been easy. We worked hard to navigate zoning changes with the City Council to make this dream a reality,” she explained. But with determination and faith, the hard work paid off! Now, the center will welcome kids from birth to 5 years old, providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
The Early Start Child Development Center is set to operate from Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This expands their previous location and, best of all, the Guiles now own their property—a significant achievement. “We are proud to offer South Carolina Voucher Scholarships through the Department of Social Services, making quality childcare accessible for more families,” Sonya added.
Learning in a Loving Environment
The curriculum at the center focuses on the various developmental stages children go through, incorporating cognitive, social, and emotional learning. Sonya remarked, “We want to help them build skills and prepare for life through language development and play.” She emphasized that the center’s staff is not only friendly but also dedicated to adapting to each child’s unique needs.
A Faith-Filled Journey
In a heartfelt moment, Sonya reflected on the spiritual aspect of their journey. “Eighteen months ago, we began pursuing this dream. There were times when I wanted to give up, but Johnathan wouldn’t let me. This has truly been a Biblical journey for us,” she shared, with emotion clear in her voice. She talked about how passages from the Bible, starting with the book of Joshua, reminded her that “the Lord was with us wherever we went.” What a powerful message!
As the ceremony unfolded, a touching mime performance entertained the crowd, reminding everyone of the playfulness and joy children bring into the world. After the ribbon was cut, tours of the new building commenced, showcasing the wonderful spaces designed for imaginative learning.
Community Support Shines
Pastor Justin Gamble shared his excitement about the center, saying, “You’re going to do something amazing for these children who will come here. This is a place of peace and playfulness.” The warm support from the community was palpable as families and friends united to celebrate this achievement.
Looking Ahead
With the opening of the Early Start Child Development Center, the Guiles family is excited to welcome little ones into a nurturing environment filled with love, laughter, and learning. This heartfelt endeavor is a true testament to the power of community and faith. Here’s to new beginnings in Conway!
