The new early childhood center will be housed within Main Street Baptist Church, operated by Williamsburg Independent School District, and funded by the University of the Cumberlands.
The University of the Cumberlands is partnering with Williamsburg Independent School District and Main Street Baptist Church to bring about a new early childhood center. The partnership reflects a shared vision between the institutions to invest in the children of Williamsburg, Kentucky to foster a thriving region.
According to an article on the University of the Cumberlands’ website, Quentin Young, the president-elect of the university, was quoted as saying of the venture, “Strong communities are built on strong partnerships, and this one is rooted in a shared commitment to serve. We recognize the significant need for quality childcare in our community, and we are proud to invest in a solution that supports families from the very beginning.”
The early childhood center will be housed within Main Street Baptist Church, with space being made via the renovation of former Sunday School classrooms. The construction is going to proceed with the goal in mind to create a space that will be ideal for young kids to learn and grow. The plan is to have enough space to enroll 30 children when the center opens, with the goal to expand to more enrollments in the future. The projected cost for families to send their children to the center is $30 per child per day.
Donnie Patrick, Pastor of Main Street Baptist Church, said, Main Street Baptist Church will host the center within its facilities. “We are honored to open our doors to serve local families in this way. We believe that supporting early learning is a powerful form of ministry and outreach, and we look forward to the joy and energy these children will bring to our space.”
The University of the Cumberlands’ involvement in the initiative is financial, with the university providing funding for the construction of the space.
Speaking of the impact the early childhood center will have on the community, Tabetha Housekeeper, who serves as Superintendent of Williamsburg Independent School District, said, “This partnership with Partners for Rural Impact, Main Street Baptist Church, and University of the Cumberlands marks an exciting step forward for early childhood education in our community. Together, we are transforming what was once called a childcare desert into a place of growth, opportunity, and hope for families. This new center reflects the power of collaboration and the belief that every child deserves access to high-quality, affordable care and education. It also reflects WISD’s cradle-to-career approach to education, ensuring that children are supported from their earliest days through every stage of their learning journey. We are grateful for the support of Main Street Baptist Church and University of the Cumberlands in helping us create a space where children will be safe, supported, and ready to learn. By working together, we are laying the groundwork for learning, opportunity, and a stronger future for our community.”
For more information about the University of the Cumberlands, visit the school’s website.