Foundation and Early Years
The story of Curious Children Child Care Center began not with a building, but with a vision — a belief that children flourish when they are nurtured with curiosity, care, and opportunity.
In 2018, that vision took root through the passion and determination of Lisa Atherley, a devoted member of the South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church congregation who recognized the growing need for high-quality early childhood care and education within the community. With steadfast support from Winston Kennedy, Chairman of the Administrative Council, Pastor Molege Desir, and a small but committed group of parishioners, plans began to transform a familiar church fellowship space into something entirely new: a place where young children could learn, grow, and belong.
What had once been a gathering area after worship services in the lower level of the church soon became the first classroom of Curious Children Child Care Center.
From its inception, the Center embraced a dual mission. First, to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children could develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally through discovery, play, and exploration. Second, to provide families with peace of mind — knowing their children were safe, supported, and cared for in a loving community while parents worked and managed the demands of daily life.
As the vision expanded, the Center established a meaningful partnership with the South Orange–Maplewood School District, which was actively working to increase access to high-quality preschool placements within the community. Through this collaboration, eligible children could receive state-funded early childhood education, reinforcing New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a strong educational foundation.
Then, on January 3, 2022, Curious Children Child Care Center officially opened its doors with just two students — a humble beginning that marked the start of an extraordinary journey.
Growth and Development
What began with a single classroom quickly blossomed into a thriving early learning community.
By 2023, growing demand for quality child care services inspired Lisa and her team to expand the facility. A second classroom and outdoor play area were added, creating more opportunities for children to learn, imagine, and explore. The expansion also allowed the Center to broaden its offerings to include aftercare services for families in the community.
During the 2023–2024 school year, enrollment grew to 19 students, a clear reflection of the trust families were placing in the Center’s mission and approach.
At the same time, Curious Children began cultivating valuable partnerships within the community, including collaborations with neighboring schools such as the Weekday School. These relationships enriched the Center’s curriculum and opened the door to additional educational experiences and resources for children and families alike.
The momentum continued. Enrollment increased to 25 students during the 2024–2025 school year, and in 2025–2026, the Center further expanded its support services by introducing pre-care programs for working families, serving a total of 22 enrolled children.
Innovation and Excellence
Though still young, Curious Children Child Care Center has already distinguished itself as an emerging model of excellence in early childhood education within the county.
The Center has introduced innovative, child-centered programs designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning. These include nature-based learning experiences, sports activities, reading enrichment, and music appreciation programs — all thoughtfully designed to support the diverse interests and developmental needs of young learners.
By encouraging exploration and fostering curiosity, the Center seeks not only to prepare children academically, but also to help them grow into compassionate, capable individuals ready to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Community Engagement
At the heart of Curious Children Child Care Center is a deep commitment to community.
The Center intentionally creates family-oriented programs and experiences that welcome parents, guardians, grandparents, and extended family members into the life of the school. Recognizing that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to a child’s success, the Center continues to cultivate opportunities for families to connect, celebrate, and grow together.
Looking ahead, Curious Children remains excited about expanding community events and initiatives that strengthen relationships among families and deepen the sense of belonging that has become central to the Center’s identity.
Present Day
Today, Curious Children Child Care Center continues to thrive as a warm, inclusive, and enriching learning environment for young children and their families.
Under the leadership of Director Sylma Brown and a team of dedicated educators, the Center remains committed to innovation, responsiveness, and excellence in early childhood education. As the needs of families evolve and new educational approaches emerge, Curious Children continues to adapt while remaining grounded in the values upon which it was founded.
With a strong foundation, a growing community, and a clear vision for the future, Curious Children Child Care Center stands poised to continue making a lasting impact for generations to come — nurturing curious minds, encouraging exploration, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
