On September 20, Cheeks Daycare Academy officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Harleyville Elementary School. The new daycare is already being celebrated as a much-needed resource for both the community and Dorchester School District Four families and staff.
The vision for the academy began with Mrs. Monica Tudder, Director of the DD4 Office of Exceptional Children. She recognized years ago the importance of a childcare program that could directly support DD4 families. When Harleyville-Ridgeville Middle and St. George Middle schools were consolidated, space at the former Harleyville-Ridgeville Middle School became available. Mrs. Tudder approached Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith with the idea of turning those unused classrooms into something meaningful. Working closely with Chief Operations Officer James Martin, the team developed and carried out a plan to transform the building into a vibrant and welcoming daycare facility.
The renovated spaces have been deep cleaned, painted, and outfitted for children ages 2 months to 5 years old. Each room is tailored to its age group and carries a cheerful butterfly theme throughout. The program is led by Owner/Director TJ Cheeks, who is eager to welcome more families into the academy.
Cheeks Daycare Academy is built on the belief that every child deserves a safe and nurturing place to grow. The program provides a developmentally rich environment that encourages intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth through play, relationships, and hands-on discovery. Care is flexible to meet the needs of working families, with options for full day, part time, drop-in, and after school care. ABC Vouchers are also accepted.
The daycare includes a media room with computers where older children are introduced to technology and basic computer skills. Just as important, the facility has been designed with the future in mind. Cheeks Daycare Academy will serve as a future work-based learning site for Dorchester Four’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) program. This will allow high school students interested in careers in early childhood education to gain real-world experience while learning how to support and guide young children. District leaders see this as a unique opportunity to grow the next generation of educators while providing an invaluable service to families today.
Cheeks Daycare Academy is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the campus of Harleyville Elementary School. Families who would like more information or who are interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to reach out directly.
Contact Information:
Cheeks Daycare Academy
1650 E Main Street, Dorchester, SC 29437
Phone: 843-636-5010
Email: cheeksdaycare@gmail.com
Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/cheeksdaycare
Opening day photos courtesy of Xavion Green. Follow him on Instagram @zay.visuals.843.