Conway Welcomes Early Start Child Development Center with Joyous Celebration
What a fabulous Sunday afternoon it was in Conway as the community came together to celebrate a significant milestone—the grand opening of the Early Start Child Development Center. With over 60 friends, family, and community members in attendance, the event was filled with excitement, hope, and heartfelt moments. The festivities took place on November 3rd at 1931 Fulmer St., and it truly felt like a party for the whole town!
A Gathering of Support
The atmosphere was buzzing with joy as attendees gathered to witness the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Among those participating were local dignitaries and community leaders, including Conway Mayor Barbara Blain, City Council members Larry White and Julie Hardwick, as well as Kristen and Justin Gamble, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Georgetown. The Guiles family—owners Johnathan and Sonya Guiles, along with their children Sonjai and Zyon—beamed with pride as they prepared to unveil this beautiful new facility for children.
A Labor of Love
Speaking to the crowd, Sonya Guiles shared the journey leading up to this moment. “Preparing for today has not been easy. We worked hard to navigate zoning changes with the City Council to make this dream a reality,” she explained. But with determination and faith, the hard work paid off! Now, the center will welcome kids from birth to 5 years old, providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
The Early Start Child Development Center is set to operate from Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This expands their previous location and, best of all, the Guiles now own their property—a significant achievement. “We are proud to offer South Carolina Voucher Scholarships through the Department of Social Services, making quality childcare accessible for more families,” Sonya added.
Learning in a Loving Environment
The curriculum at the center focuses on the various developmental stages children go through, incorporating cognitive, social, and emotional learning. Sonya remarked, “We want to help them build skills and prepare for life through language development and play.” She emphasized that the center’s staff is not only friendly but also dedicated to adapting to each child’s unique needs.
A Faith-Filled Journey
In a heartfelt moment, Sonya reflected on the spiritual aspect of their journey. “Eighteen months ago, we began pursuing this dream. There were times when I wanted to give up, but Johnathan wouldn’t let me. This has truly been a Biblical journey for us,” she shared, with emotion clear in her voice. She talked about how passages from the Bible, starting with the book of Joshua, reminded her that “the Lord was with us wherever we went.” What a powerful message!
As the ceremony unfolded, a touching mime performance entertained the crowd, reminding everyone of the playfulness and joy children bring into the world. After the ribbon was cut, tours of the new building commenced, showcasing the wonderful spaces designed for imaginative learning.
Community Support Shines
Pastor Justin Gamble shared his excitement about the center, saying, “You’re going to do something amazing for these children who will come here. This is a place of peace and playfulness.” The warm support from the community was palpable as families and friends united to celebrate this achievement.
Looking Ahead
With the opening of the Early Start Child Development Center, the Guiles family is excited to welcome little ones into a nurturing environment filled with love, laughter, and learning. This heartfelt endeavor is a true testament to the power of community and faith. Here’s to new beginnings in Conway!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
