CDC Families,
For over three decades, the Berea First Baptist Church CDC’s mission has been to help each child grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We have been honored to partner with countless families in this mission, which makes it especially difficult to share with you that the CDC will end operations at the conclusion of this school year, effective close of business on May 22, 2026.
We know this news is unwelcome and puts you in a very difficult position. Though we did not foresee this outcome when the 2025-26 school year began, we made the decision to notify you immediately when it became clear to the CDC governing committee and church leadership that closure was unavoidable. It is our hope that receiving this news now gives you ample time to find alternative child care without any interruption of service.
Please know that this decision was not reached carelessly or without careful and prayerful consideration of the alternatives. Our desire to honor God in all things, including the use of resources, led us to recently undertake an in-depth analysis of the Child Development Center. This review included input from early childhood leaders, a site visit from the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s preschool and children’s ministry division, and conversations with other providers. The consultants, church leadership, CDC committee, and interim directors were all in unanimous agreement that operational challenges are on course to overwhelm our resources and ultimately force closure. The obstacles associated with hiring new or additional qualified employees, combined with legal requirements around regulations and staffing ratios, mean that delaying this decision could result in an untimely closure with little to no notice.
We are actively seeking God’s guidance in this matter and will not rule out the possibility that one day a version of the CDC may reopen. In short, we don’t know what the future holds and remain attuned to whatever doors God may open for us to reenvision our church’s ministry to young families. In the meantime, we want to provide whatever help and assistance we can to both you and the CDC professional staff. We are in the process of contacting area service providers to determine those with available spaces and will send a list home with your child in the next few days. You may also be interested to know we are working with your child’s teachers to help them transition professionally. In the meantime, the church is offering additional funding to keep the Center open, including financial incentives to encourage staff members to remain at the Berea CDC through the end of the school year.
We know this may be a hard season and are committed to praying for everyone involved, even as we continue to trust in God’s provision. We apologize again for the turmoil caused by this decision and for any oversights or shortcomings in our communication today or in the coming months. Feel free to contact Dawn Maness, Brana Myers, Amy Lemons, or Renee Stancil with any questions or concerns. Though they may not be able to provide an immediate answer, in the coming days, we will compile frequently asked questions and responses and send them home with your children.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving your family through the ministry of the Child Development Center. We know this news puts you in a very difficult position, and we are committed to helping ensure this transition is as smooth as possible for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Chad Rickenbaker
Senior Pastor
Britni McCall
Representative of the CDC Committee