MAKING AN IMPACT Through Faith-based Education

Living Word Church Launches Pre-K and Daycare

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Among the large number of families relocating to Jarrell, Pastor Joe Stephens has noted a recurring concern — the desperate need for reliable childcare. Fortunately, creating a faith-based daycare and preschool was one of his community outreach goals when he began pastoring Living Word Church. “The city is growing so quickly. We can’t build schools or daycare facilities quickly enough. While Jarrell may be a wonderful town that attracts many, there are still certain needs yet to be fulfilled.”

Bridging The Gap

Recognizing that many children are demonstrating learning deficiencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Joe decided to create a child development program to prepare 3- and 4-year-olds for kindergarten. A family-run endeavor, Little Steps Pre-K will be taught by Pastor Joe’s wife and daughter and is open to 3- and 4-year-olds in Jarrell and surrounding areas. The daycare program will be open to children 18 months to 2 years old.

Little Steps Pre-K offers a safe, loving, and nurturing Christian environment where children can safely engage in hands-on learning experiences that will be the building blocks for their future academic success. Pastor Joe says, “Our program operates on the premise that children learn most effectively when they actively participate in the learning process and are provided with opportunities to exercise independence, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. As such, we offer a holistic approach to child development, emphasizing growth in all areas — emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual.”

Nurturing Little Hearts

Even beyond offering a safe and encouraging environment where children can learn and grow, the church’s programs also promote socialization and help children develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills. Children who participate in Pre-K and daycare programs are exposed to structured learning environments that emphasize cognitive and intellectual development, as well as physical activities that promote gross and fine motor skill development. In addition, these programs can help children build independence and confidence, as they are encouraged to engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that challenge them to think creatively and act independently.

Finally, Pre-K and daycare programs can offer working parents a valuable solution for childcare, allowing them to focus on their careers and other responsibilities, knowing their children are enjoying the benefits of structured learning and socialization in a safe and secure environment.

By being based at the church, Little Steps also enjoys greater flexibility than other daycares and preschools that must lease or purchase a ded- icated facility. “We’re a little more flexible because we already have the building,” Pastor Joe says, adding that this enables Little Steps to be more affordable than other daycares and preschools. Moreover, smaller groups foster a more personalized, one-on-one experience. Plus — one more reason for busy parents to rejoice — Jarrell’s Love at First Bite bakery will offer catering services, making it easier for them to take a break from packing lunches.

Community Activities

Living Word Church also addresses another gap, Pastor Joe says, which is the need for community activities. “Some parents say there aren’t many family-type things to do here,” he says. Although attending Living Word Church is not a requirement for enrollment in Little Steps, families are always welcome to participate in the year-round church activities. The family-friendly calendar includes puppet shows, Easter egg hunts, plays, and Christmas programs, and the summer season also promises to be filled with exciting activities. Last year’s Family Fun Days will return and may include anything from petting zoos to inflatable castles, games, police cars, and fire trucks. With so much to look forward to, Jarrell families can make the most of their summer and create cherished memories together.

LITTLE STEPS IS EXPECTED TO OPEN BY MAY 1 and is located at 301 W Avenue H, in Jarrell. Scan the code to learn more and to register for Little Steps Pre-K and daycare.