Keestone Academy childcare facility coming to town

A number of suggestions have been made in discussions of how to use the COVID-19 economic recovery funds locally, one of the most common being the need for additional childcare services. This need is not only a concern of parents of young children, but also local businesses, potential businesses and more. Their pleas were heard and will soon be answered.
Dr. Carlos Schmitt and his daughter Carla Schmitt are preparing to open Keestone Academy, a full-service childcare center in Henderson/Chester County.
Dr. Schmitt said that his decision to start a daycare came after he heard about the desperate need of childcare service at Commissioner Joe Melaro’s August 19 Town Hall meeting.
Though the process of starting a daycare was already in progress, his decision was supported by Chester County’s Economic Recovery Plan.
The recovery plan states that daycare services fall under workforce development – the second priority for economic recovery in the county.
As the plan states: “It was noted by the planning session that lack of sufficient childcare keeps a significant number of parents out of the workforce. The current effort by a private daycare provider was met with regulatory obstacles in finding a suitable building to house a daycare operation.”
Henderson Mayor Bobby King expressed that he is pleased this is in the works.
“We (The City of Henderson) were looking for daycare. We’re really happy he’s stepping up and doing that,” King said.
Currently, the Schmitts are preparing the center’s physical facilities and outdoor playground space to meet state childcare certification standards. The center’s educational activities and childcare services will operate under Tennessee’s childcare standards and regulations.
No specific date has been set for the center’s opening; the date is contingent upon completion of classrooms, facilities and state certification.
Dr. Schmitt said his goal is to open up by January 2022.
Additional information about enrollment and employment opportunities will be forthcoming.
Keestone is currently accepting applications for childcare center director.
Please send applications, resumes and cover letters to:
C. Scmitt P.O. Box 244 Henderson, TN.
Employment applications may be found on Keestone Academy’s Facebook Page or Keestone Academy’s website – www. keestoneacademytn. com
Dr. Schmitt said he and his daughter are looking forward to serving the childcare and preschool needs in the Henderson/Chester County area as well as the surrounding areas.