Growing pains have been a blessing for business for one of our childcare facilities in the community, Central Christian Academy. The Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce celebrated their success with a green ribbon welcome Friday, February 10th. Central Christian Academy currently employees 63 individuals and celebrates 10 years of serving Greenbrier. Enrollment is at an all time high. Due to the continued growth, expansion was needed. Owner, Cristin Beene shares that Central Christian Academy had the unique opportunity to invest and expand their campus to an additional location conveniently located in the heart of Greenbrier.
This location will serve children ages 2 1/2 and up and will also host a summer school aged program for 2nd-5th grade students, coining the location as the "CCA Clubhouse." The Clubhouse is equipped with top notch security and all of the bells and whistles including an art and crafts area, walls full of board games, a GIANT Connect 4, and several sets of Chromebooks. They will be adding more fun things to the Clubhouse soon, like an air hockey table, and a snack bar. Behind the Clubhouse sits a private playground perfect for small children. One thing that separates this facility among others, is their unique partnerships with the community offering direct mental health services for kids 5 and up and their staff. Enrichment opportunities such as Spanish, dance, taekwondo classes are offered in partnership as well with Central Christian Academy.
For 22 years, Cristin has seen the ups and downs of the childcare industry and once she had the opportunity to own her own facility, it only ignited her passion for early childhood education early on in her career. As an entrepreneur at heart; at one time, she was managing 3 facilities all over Faulkner County. "I was running all over, managing these three locations but due to several factors, I focused on Greenbrier. I now serve the same capacity at one location that I once was serving at all three. It goes to show the growth in Greenbrier, and the community here, are all seeking high quality early childhood education."
Another unique factor that separates CCA from other childcare facilities is that they have several programs and learning opportunities for their staff. The TEACH College-Work Sponsorship program is available and encourages staff to finish their college degree in Early Education while balancing a full time job. Employees have an opportunity to earn a bonus for their hard work and dedication. The leadership team at CCA is currently working with an elite organization, Childcare Success Academy that is an international coaching group that works with early education owners, leaders, and directors. Through this organization they are learning new business practices, marketing, leadership skills, quality control, etc. It also involves travel opportunities to grow and hone in on their leadership skills as a team.
When asked what else we could expect from CCA down the road, Cristin excitedly shared that they are looking into hosting birthday parties at their facilities. "There really is no place that offers this for small children locally and it just makes sense. We have everything you would need for that so, we are looking in to that endeavor."
Central Christian Academy is designed to minister to preschool children through quality early childhood education while nurturing Christian values and equipping children with skills in the five main areas of their development socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and spiritually. Central Christian Academy encourages and empower families through faith, academics, child centered learning and hands on play activities. They maintain Better Beginnings Level 3 Accreditation.
For more information about how to enroll, go to www.centralchristianacademy.org/enroll-here or call (501) 581-0203. You can visit their main campus at 221 S. Broadview Street or find them at the new Clubhouse at 19 Business Park Drive, both in Greenbrier.
