CDC Staff,
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 impacts you and your family. Though we did not foresee this outcome when the 2025-26 school year began, as soon as it became clear to the CDC governing committee and church leadership that closure was unavoidable, we wanted to notify you and our CDC families so there is time to plan your transitions.
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 staff, 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 committed to finishing this school year in a manner that honors God and our mission. To ensure we can provide high-quality, stable, dependable care, the church is funding an additional $2 per hour pay increase, effective immediately. Additionally, all staff members who remain employed in good standing through the last day of the CDC will receive a one-time bonus of $1,000. Our children and families need us to be strong for them and to make their lasting memories of the Berea CDC positive ones.
We know this may be a hard season and are committed to praying for everyone involved, as we trust in God’s provision. Additionally, we are contacting local childcare providers to identify those who will be seeking new or additional staff beginning this summer. 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.
Sincerely,
Chad Rickenbaker
Senior Pastor
Britni McCall
Representative of the CDC Committee