First Baptist Church has partnered with Mindy and Jeremy Liles for a daycare center called Children’s Christian Academy.

“We think it’s going to be a very positive thing for the community — something that’s greatly needed, especially a Christian-based daycare,” said Pastor Dathan Hall of the church located on Becker Drive. “We want to do all things to put Christ first and begin to raise these children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and in a loving environment.”

Today the academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the daycare.

“We’re excited about it,” Hall said.

Currently the daycare has its summer camp program for 5- to 12-year-olds, Mindy said. “They’re doing their summer camp with us and then we’re basically going to start out doing (daycare) for six weeks to 12-year-old children.”

The daycare will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone who needs daycare for their children. There will be Bible classes on Wednesdays.

Mindy said there is a dire need for childcare in the community because of the number of people who work.

They will be able to care for 45 children. The daycare currently has seven staff members.

Interest has been slow, Mindy said. “But we’re going to get it going as soon as we can.”

Those interested can call her at 252-676-9715.

Jeremy noted there is also a Children’s Christian Academy Facebook page which Mindy said will have daily posts.

There are a few more documents to send over to the state in what is a rigorous process since planning began in September.

Hall said the church has had daycare in the past and hosted the elementary school for KIPP for several years while their facility was under construction. “We have a great facility and we want to use it for God’s glory in all things. It was a great opportunity for us.”

Jeremy said people interested in sending their children to the daycare don’t have to be church members.

Staffers must go through a vetting process that includes background checks and fingerprints.

There is an application fee for the children, Jeremy said, and they must get a physical and have their immunization records.

He said there is a 52-week curriculum already planned. “Each week there’s a scheduled curriculum for a Bible study. We teach pieces of that throughout the week — a different subject out of the Bible so the kids will be learning that throughout the week and every Wednesday they’ll have Bible time set aside with one teacher who has their degree.”

Christy Williamson will be doing the Wednesday Bible studies and will be an assistant teacher as well. “With this being a Christian facility and also a daycare I’ve always loved working with kids and I wanted to make myself available. I like to be able to do the Lord’s work.”

Jeremy said he and Mindy are working hard to get the word out. “We’re hoping this event will do this so that more people in the community will know we’re here.”

Magda Baligh, a chamber board member and executive director of Halifax-Warren Smart Start, said, “As you are aware, our community, our state, and country are in a childcare crisis and every new quality childcare is a positive addition to our community.”

She said, “Our children need quality childcare to learn to learn and grow and be ready for school.”

Smart Start supports childcare facilities with technical assistance and training. “We’re very excited to have a new facility in our community. We need it desperately and we wish you the best success.”