PlayWorks Early Learning Center has officially opened its new location in Downtown Wilkesboro, made possible by a community-driven partnership led by Wilkes Community Partnership for Children and Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, along with assistance provided by Wilkes EDC. The church generously provided a renovated wing of its education space, allowing PlayWorks to expand from serving 55 to 88 children and increase access to high-quality childcare for families across Wilkes County.
PlayWorks, holding a five-star childcare license, has served local families for over 10 years. With demand growing and a waitlist exceeding 50 children, additional space was critical. The “Big Building, Little Feet” initiative raised over $600,000 locally to fund renovations, demonstrating strong community commitment to early childhood education.
This project builds on the 2022 Wilkes County Childcare Study, facilitated by Wilkes EDC, which identified a need for 836 additional childcare seats to better support working families and economic development.
Wilkesboro United Methodist Church’s Gilbert Cox connected with Wilkes EDC after learning about the study’s findings. This connection led Cox to meet PlayWorks leaders Sharon Phillips and Katie Hinson, who had recently reached out in search of new space. Their collaboration brought this expansion to life.
A ribbon cutting for the new facility took place on April 24th, marking a significant milestone in addressing the childcare needs of the Wilkes community.
Learn more about this community effort and its impact here: Wilkesboro church, child care program team up in model for others – EdNC
