Giving children a place to grow
On Sundays, our Sunday school classes grace the hallway at All Saints’ with their presence. But did you know that Monday through Friday, the hallway, or Education Wing, is filled with kids 8 weeks to 5 years old?
Lockhart Child Development Center (LCDC) is a nonprofit early childhood education center that provides childcare to our community. Our mission is to offer safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate childcare that supports social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth in young children while also involving parents and the community.
If you would have asked me 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago, where I would be in my life right now, the director of a childcare center is not it. Now, I wouldn’t change it for the world. It is the hardest and most fulfilling career I have ever had, and I have worked some hard jobs before. Watching our most vulnerable population in their earliest years of development grow is the biggest blessing a person could ask for.
In the earliest years of life, children are not just growing – they are becoming. Every hug, every word spoken to them, and every moment of care shapes how they see themselves and the world around them. At Lockhart Child Development Center (LCDC), this truth is at the heart of everything we do.
Lockhart Child Development Center is more than a place where children are cared for while parents/guardians work. It is a place where children are seen, valued, protected, and loved. Serving infants through preschool-aged children, LCDC provides a warm, nurturing environment, where children feel safe enough to explore, confident enough to try new things, and supported enough to grow at their own pace.
For a young child, safety and consistency are everything. At LCDC, caring teachers build trusting relationships that help children feel secure, because when a child feels secure, learning naturally follows. Through play, conversation, music, and guided activities, children develop language skills, social connections, and emotional understanding. They learn how to express feelings, solve problems, and build friendships – skills that are just as important as letters and numbers.
LCDC operates with a philosophy focused on fostering a positive self-concept, independence, and secure relationships between children and caregivers. The center’s program includes structured activities and free play designed to strengthen language, motor, and social skills. Parent education and involvement are also emphasized to foster collaboration with families and help facilitate learning that continues beyond the classroom.
Reliable childcare allows parents and caregivers to work, pursue education, and contribute economically without sacrificing their child’s well-being. Without accessible care, many adults, – especially primary caregivers – may reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely, impacting family income and broader economic stability.
Childcare centers such as LCDC help alleviate that strain by offering developmentally supportive care in the Concord/Kannapolis area.
Early exposure to structured play, language development, problem-solving tasks, and group activities helps children transition smoothly into kindergarten. We are proud to be a part of the NC PreK program through the Cabarrus Partnership. Programs like LCDC’s partnership and creative curriculum introduce foundational skills that are instrumental for academic readiness.
Childcare is far more than just supervision. It’s early education, social development, and peace of mind for families. Lockhart Child Development Center plays a vital role in nurturing young children, supporting working caregivers, and strengthening the fabric of our community. Quality early childhood programs lay the groundwork for healthy development, lifelong learning, and a thriving community.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our childcare community, LCDC currently has openings for one-year olds. Please reach out to dir@lockhartcdc.org or 704-260-0040.