Betty’s Pre-school and Child Development Center: A Center of Community and Heritage

Nestled in the heart of St. Stephen, South Carolina, Betty’s Day Care and Pre-school, affectionately known in the community simply as Betty’s, stands as a testament to dedication, community, and the enduring legacy of Black land ownership. This vibrant establishment has been a cornerstone of the local community for over two decades, providing essential support to families and fostering the growth of countless children.

Rich history of St. Stephen

The land surrounding St. Stephen holds profound historical significance. During the Reconstruction era, many formerly enslaved African Americans acquired land, establishing a legacy of Black land ownership that has persisted through generations. This green, tree-covered land, rich with history and culture, serves as the resilient foundation upon which the community continues to thrive, much like the hearty farmland, expansive horse farms, and the enduring Francis Marion National Forest that surrounds it.

Betty’s Day Care and Pre-school was founded nearly thirty years ago by the visionary Betty Smalls and her husband, Dan Smalls. Driven by a passion for supporting working families within the community, Mrs. Smalls recognized the need for a nurturing environment where children could learn and grow while their parents contributed to the local workforce. Her dedication and hard work have made Betty’s a beloved institution, known for its commitment to early childhood education and community engagement.

Learning in nature: Grow Outdoors South Carolina

After Mrs. Smalls retired several years ago, her daughter, Kristen Smalls, stepped into the role of director. Kristen continues her mother’s legacy with the same passion and dedication. “Our goal has always been to create a safe, nurturing space where children can thrive, and we’re excited to build on that with new programs and initiatives,” says Kristen. She believes the Grow Outdoors South Carolina (Grow Outdoors SC) program can benefit the entire community once members see how nature can be integrated into education and learning.

Grow Outdoors SC is a state-funded, five-year collaboration between the SC Department of Social Services, the SC Department of Public Health, the National Wildlife Federation, the Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University, and multiple early care and education partners. Their vision is that all children in the state spend time outdoors for health, happiness, and a greater appreciation of nature.

Participation in the initiative holds special significance for the Smalls family and the children at Betty’s. Grow Outdoors SC emphasizes the importance of outdoor learning and play, aligning perfectly with the center’s mission to provide strategies that support holistic development for its young learners. Being part of Grow Outdoors SC allows Betty’s Pre-school to offer even richer experiences, fostering a deeper connection with nature and encouraging children to explore, learn, and grow in an outdoor setting.

Summer design workshop

The Grow Outdoors SC design workshop hosted in June was a significant event for the Smalls family, gathering founder Betty Smalls, her husband Dan, their son Reginald, daughter-in-law Francina (who also works at the center), and their team of early educators. County Councilman Steven Davis also attended, highlighting the importance of early child care centers like Betty’s that provide outdoor space for young children in the community to establish healthy connections with nature. Councilman Davis recalled how being outside had a great impact on him growing up, just as it does for his grandchildren today.

Robin Hartman, a landscape designer with the National Wildlife Federation’s Early Childhood Health Outdoors initiative, reflected on the experience: “Although I was initially unsure of what to expect, I was thrilled to see our Grow Outdoors SC early learning partners’ enthusiastic reactions to the designs, which highlighted the profound impact our initiative could have. Witnessing their gratitude and excitement reinforced the significance of creating spaces driven by the community’s needs, making this the most rewarding professional experience of my career.”

Reginald Smalls sees this project as an opportunity to integrate state-of-the-art outdoor learning environments in a rural community, enhancing the educational experience for all children at the center.

Betty’s pre-school helps bridge the gap

Berkeley County, where St. Stephen is located, is one of the fastest-growing regions in South Carolina. The area’s rapid growth brings both opportunities and challenges to local residents. Over the last several years, Berkeley County has witnessed an intense migration as working families relocated from Charleston County amid significant gentrification. North Charleston became notoriously known for the highest eviction rates in the nation, sparking the need for affordable housing and child care in bordering counties like Berkeley.

The rural, isolated nature of regions of upper Berkeley County, where Betty’s is located, offers families more affordable housing options on acres of green space and several waterways.

As new families move in and the community expands, the role of child care centers like Betty’s Pre-school becomes even more critical. They serve as anchors, providing stability, continuity, and a sense of community amid the dynamic local landscape.

Many families will still have to travel a distance to maintain employment that provides a living wage. In turn, full-day, full-year, quality child care that affords young children the space to develop and be safe is critical. The expansion of the center’s outdoor learning environment provides young children and their caregivers with a nature-based setting that provides opportunities for children to engage in dynamic play experiences throughout the day.

Commitment to excellence in child development

In addition, Betty’s Pre-school and Child Development Center is dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence. The Smalls family is committed to raising their ABC Quality rating, ensuring that they provide the highest standard of care and education. This commitment to quality reflects their ongoing dedication to the community and their determination to offer the best possible start in life for every child in their care.

Betty’s Day Care and Pre-school continues to be a center of hope, stability and growth in St. Stephen. With its deep roots in the rich history of Black land ownership and its forward-thinking approach to early childhood education, the center is well-equipped to meet the needs of the community today and in the future. The Smalls family’s participation in programs like Grow Outdoors SC ensures that Betty’s remains at the forefront of educational innovation, nurturing the next generation in a way that honors the past and embraces the future.