An Update from The Children's Center

Generosity.
"Generosity is the habit of giving without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets, or talents to aid someone in need".

This community is generous to a fault and as the holidays approach, we see such evidence of this. The Children's Center is gearing up for our annual Holiday On-Line Auction to begin November 30th. So many local organizations have donated incredible items that bidders can use for holiday gift-giving to others or maybe to themselves! Golf, dining, shopping, family fun and so much more can be found at this year's event. Visit the Auction Webpage to learn more. We sincerely appreciate the generosity of this year's sponsors - Mako Medical and South State Bank. It's gonna be better than Black Friday and Cyber Monday put together!

The Invisible "Essential Workers"

Headlines found in the Wall Street Journal during the month of October include: "Coronavirus threatens to Push Childcare Industry Over the Edge" and "Workers Exhaust Time-Off Options as Covid-19, Child-Care Issues Compound" hit home at The Children's Center. As lockdowns begin to loosen and parents are returning to their jobs, the necessity of childcare is real and concerning. Many childcare centers have closed because they did not survive COVID shutdowns in South Carolina, over 20% remain closed. Those that did reopen face enrollment decreases by 30% or more. At TCC, we continue to struggle to fill our community's demand for affordable high-quality early education and childcare. Our enrollment is currently at 70% of pre-COVID numbers. Our waitlist exceeds our ability to provide services with staffing limitations restricting our enrollment capabilities.

Childcare employees are essential workers that do not get the acknowledgment they deserve. We hear professional athletes, large corporate institutions, television personalities, and others celebrate the commitment and dedication of “essential workers.” We all think of our first responders and medical personnel as essential. Some of us might think of the grocery store clerk and the trash collector, but does anyone think of the child care teacher who cares for the children to ensure those “essential” people can go to work and do their jobs? Here at The Children's Center was celebrate and acknowledge our teachers and staff as essential, now and for future generations!

Define Teamwork: Vaniecea Hall

Take a moment to get to know The Children’s Center’s Administrative Assistant Ms. Vaniecea Hall. Ms. Vaniecea (affectionately know as Ms. V) has worked at the Children’s Center for two years. Her designated role is the administrative assistant for our Child and Adult Care Food Program and Front Desk Assistant, but that is just part of what she really does. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and does whatever is needed in the office or classrooms with a smile on her face.

At a recent meeting, she heard a teacher ask for daily help with a child during morning recess, and without a second thought, she stepped up. Wherever there is a need, you can find Ms. Vaniecea jumping in without hesitation. Vaniecea recently graduated from Ogeechee Technical College with her associate's degree in Health Information Technology. Ms. V says she loves working at The Children’s Center because she gets to be around the children all day, and is always learning new skills. When she is not working, you can find her exploring a new city or local culture with her two beautiful daughters. When you visit our Center, be sure to say hello as she greets you from the front desk.

Trunk or Treat - Safe Fun!

October 30th was a day of fun and festivity at The Children's Center. Parents, Teachers, and Board Members came together to give our children a fabulous Trunk or Treat experience. More than 20 cars lined the parking lot while princesses, ghouls, superheroes, and other crazy characters trolled the parking lot to gather treats galore! Words can not express what tales the pictures below share. Thanks to everyone involved!