Tuesday May 12, 2009
Child care center has new operator
Charleston Daily Mail

The Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center has announced a new operator for the Learn and Play Center.

Jean Hawks, the founding owner and director of Fort Hill Child Development Center, will take over starting June 1.

The United Way and Director Sharon Bowles have operated the center for the past seven years but recently announced that they would be unable to continue after May 31.

"When the Schoenbaum Center asked us to operate this program, we realized we could immediately step in to continue serving the families that rely on this program to be there for them," Hawks said in a news release. "We have always been committed to helping other child care centers and staff offer excellent programs in their communities."

The Fort Hill Child Development Center is Charleston's only nationally accredited child care center. Hawks said it is her goal to attain accreditation for the Schoenbaum Learn and Play center soon.

A press conference and open house introducing Hawks is planned for 4 p.m. Friday in the Kanawha Valley Room in the main facility.

Tours of the child care center will immediately follow the announcement.