About Us

Locust success enables Fun-N-Learning expansion

By Sandy Hatley

Publication: Locust Community Magazine Spring 2017

Fun-N-Learning Day Care Center now has two locations. In addition to its West Main Street facility in Locust, they recently opened a second facility in Mount Pleasant.

The family owned and operated business has been in operation for 22 years. Originally opened by Douglas and Carolyn Crayton, the four-star licensed facility is now operated by their oldest daughter, Crystal C. Wages.

Crystal started to work part-time at Fun-N-Learning in 1998. She became full-time in 2003 and the director in 2012. She credits the success of the facility to the dedicated staff at the center and the wonderful parents who support them.

“Our primary focus is to keep the children safe and make them feel loved while giving them an opportunity to explore,” the director explained.

Fun-N-Learning offers quality care and individual attention in a creative, safe and stimulating environment. The staff provides hands-on activities that promote emerging skills development while allowing the students to explore and play in a learning atmosphere.

The state-licensed child care facilities feature a developmentally appropriate and educationally-based curriculum for children.

Using Creative Curriculum, the state approved lessons allow teachers to tailor their lessons to meet individual needs.

“It’s hard to find people who will love your children like their own, and I feel like the staff at Fun-N-Learning truly loves them as much as I do,” said parent Laura Shadron. “This alleviates any stress and enables me to go to work without worrying about them because I know they’re safe and secure in a nurturing environment.”

Wages stressed she is a big proponent of teachable moments.

“The key is to make what the students are learning fun, so that they want to know more,” Wages said. “If we can pique the student’s curiosity, they are more inclined to retain the information presented to them.”

The Locust site was renovated in 2008, adding two additional classrooms, larger foyer, teacher’s area and an inside play room, bringing the footage to 4,500 square feet.

The Mount Pleasant center, located at 4227 Mt. Pleasant Road South, was totally remodeled inside and out in 2016, giving the entire 4,450-square-foot facility an updated look and feel.

Both locations are open weekdays 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day cares serve 6-week-olds up to 13-year-olds. Currently, the Locust center employs nine teachers and serves 70 children while the Mount Pleasant center has seven instructors and 30 children.

All the teachers have degrees in Early Childhood Education or are working toward obtaining their degree.

Both Fun-N-Learning sites have space available for new enrollees. For more information, call the Locust facility at (704) 888-
5683 or the Mount Pleasant facility at (704) 788-6611 or email funlearningcenter@gmail.com.

“We look forward to assisting families in the area in nurturing the development of the next generation,” Wages said.