ABOUT US
The Forest Hill Church Child Care Center is sponsored by the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church and is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
We care for children ages 18 months through 5 years.
The center is open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. five days per week (and closed on some holidays).
MISSION
Forest Hill Child Care Center exists to nurture a love of learning in children, to prepare them for a transition into school, and to build relationships with families in the community.
VISION
Our vision is to create a vibrant community where every child discovers their unique potential, every family feels supported, and a lifelong love of learning begins in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
BACKGROUND
The Forest Hill Child Care Center has been a beloved pillar of the Forest Hill neighborhood in Richmond since 1957. Founded by Fannie Pharr, a visionary and devoted member of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, the center is committed to provide children with a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment in which to grow and learn. What began as a small community effort has flourished into a vital resource for generations of families, embodying our mission to nurture a love of learning in children, prepare them for successful transitions into school, and build meaningful relationships with families in the community.
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Over the past 65 years, the Forest Hill Child Care Center has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of the community. From humble beginnings, we have developed into a dynamic organization. As the needs of families in Richmond have evolved, so too have our programs and approaches. We are a state licensee all-day program designed to support working families, emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, and educational excellence. Our commitment to remaining a trusted and relevant resource for the community has remained constant.
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The demand for high-quality childcare in the Richmond area has never been greater. According to recent data, more than 50% of families in the region struggle to find affordable, reliable child care, and the need is particularly acute in neighborhoods like Forest Hill, where working families face challenges balancing employment and caregiving responsibilities. By providing a safe, supportive environment that prioritizes both education and care, the Forest Hill Child Care Center helps to bridge this critical gap, ensuring that children are not only cared for but also given the tools to thrive academically and socially.
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Our journey has not been without challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruptions, we adapted quickly to implement safety protocols, provide virtual learning resources, and offer much-needed stability for families navigating uncertainty. These experiences have reinforced the importance of our work and highlighted our resilience and ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the community.
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Today, the Forest Hill Child Care Center is more vibrant and essential than ever. Through personalized care, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, we prepare children not only for school but for a lifetime of success. Our programs also foster a deep sense of connection and belonging, ensuring that families feel supported every step of the way.
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We are proud to stand on a foundation of more than six decades of service, but we are also focused on the future. With ambitious plans to expand programming, enhance facilities, and deepen our community impact, we are aim to meet the growing needs of families in Richmond.
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