Mama Jewell’s ChildPlex, Coming Soon to Yadkin County

Mama Jewell’s ChildPlex – Yadkin County is facing a growing childcare shortage. Over the past 12 years, the number of licensed childcare spaces has declined significantly, making it increasingly difficult for working families to find reliable, high-quality care for their children. This challenge affects not only families, but also local employers who depend on a strong workforce.

To help meet this need, Mama Jewell’s ChildPlex was created as a community-focused solution. The purpose-built early childhood education center will be owned by the Yadkin County Economic Development Partnership and managed by Smart Start of Yadkin County. The 9,600-square-foot facility is designed to expand childcare access while creating opportunities for new childcare providers to serve local families.

The ChildPlex will feature six fully equipped childcare suites that will be leased to independent providers. By sharing resources and common spaces, providers will be able to focus on delivering quality care while benefiting from a supportive environment. Shared amenities will include outdoor learning areas, an indoor activity room, and resource rooms where services such as speech therapy can be provided on-site.

In addition to childcare services, the facility will include classroom space for early childhood education training, business development classes for childcare providers, and school-based programs. Full-day, year-round care will be offered to better align with the schedules and needs of working families throughout Yadkin County.

In May, the ChildPlex team, Yadkin EDP, and Smart Start of Yadkin County celebrated the groundbreaking of this exciting project. With approximately 70% of the funding secured, construction is moving forward toward making this vision a reality.

Mama Jewell’s ChildPlex is more than a building—it is an investment in Yadkin County’s future. By increasing access to quality childcare, supporting working families, strengthening the local workforce, and creating opportunities for childcare entrepreneurs, the ChildPlex will have a lasting impact on our community for generations to come.