The new building houses the Creative Learning Center daycare for preschool and pre-K children, as well as Sunday school for pre-K through sixth grade and other children’s church activities, according to preschool minister Charity Gwaltney, who added the building is “geared toward maximizing education and safety and care of young children.” The building was designed to cater to the needs of pre-K-aged children. Bathrooms come equipped with toddler-sized toilets and sinks, and low windows in the classrooms let in natural light. The building also has a kitchenette and a dedicated nursing room for moms to nurse babies during lunch breaks or other breaks throughout the day.
The second story of the building stays empty during the week when the daycare is in session, but grades 1 through 6 use it during Sunday school, and several Wednesday night children’s programs take place there as well. The programs are dedicated to Bible study, but the kids also participate in arts and crafts, music, and more, according to Leah Frances Eaton, director of Children’s Ministry. The second story also has a separate area for sixth graders to help them with the transition to middle school, as well as space, which Eaton hopes to turn into a classroom for children with special needs eventually. The building is equipped with security cameras, and codes are required to enter, according to Jenkins. To keep children safe, parents now receive security labels when they check their children into Sunday school, said Eaton. All volunteers and Sunday school teachers also have nametags, which they only receive once they have undergone a background check.