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Little Scouts Christian Childcare is a newly opened facility in Swain County that offers hands on learning through nature, discovery, and play for ages 2-5. -
The building is made to look like a welcoming barn.
Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Little Scouts Christian Childcare is holding an Open House this Saturday, Nov. 5 from 2-4 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m. for parents to check out the new facility and get more information about the newly opened daycare option for ages 2-5. Little Scouts is a new Christian childcare organization associated with Impact Church in Swain County.
The idea to start the program came from director Amber White as she struggled with finding childcare.
“At the time I had a 3-year-old, and childcare in the county was very limited and filled up so fast. Thankfully, my boss let me bring her to work with me, but you can imagine working with a 3-year-old is not the most productive,” White explained, who had a degree in medical billing and Biblical theology at the time. “One evening, I was sitting in the Ingles parking lot very stressed and overwhelmed and I said, ‘God, please help me, I don’t know what to do (about childcare) and I heard him say, ‘You start your own.’ So, I went back to college and got an early childhood degree and started working with the church to make it happen,” she said.
She partnered with Impact Church and also received a grant with the Dogwood Health Trust to start the school.
Little Scouts has two classrooms with eight different centers in each room: reading, writing, science, math, dramatic play, music, building, and art.
“Our main focus is natural learning experiences through discovery, which happens naturally through play,” White said. The school also has a unique outdoor play area focused on nature complete with a view of neighboring horse pastures, nature walks, sand and water areas, age appropriate balance and obstacle courses, and a gardening spot where they will teach students how to grow their own fruits and veggies to instill healthy eating habits.
“There have been studies that when kids can see where their food comes from, they are more likely to try new things,” White said.
The school is licensed to serve up to 19 students and plans to have one teacher to every five students. They also have land surrounding the property and plan to eventually expand.
The school is Christian based and uses “Mother Goose time curriculum” to prepare students for kindergarten and elementary school.
“They will also be learning Biblical teachings and who they are through Christ,” White said.
Little Scouts holds safety in high regard with 29 security cameras inside and outside the school and encourages parental involvement as they can view footage anytime.
Little Scouts is a subsidized program and for those eligible to receive subsidy through North Carolina, a large portion of tuition will be paid for.
The school is located at 100 Impact Drive across from FedEx in Bryson City.
To enroll, visit www.littlescouts.us and fill out an enrollment application that can be returned in person or by mail or email. The spots are first come, first serve but if filled can be added to a waiting list. Also visit Little Scouts Christian Childcare on Facebook for updates.