GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – North Carolina is one of the top ten most expensive states in the U.S. for childcare, according to Childcare Aware’s Childcare Data Center. That’s why Greenville’s The Vineyard Preschool is providing an affordable and unique learning environment for kids.

Childcare Aware’s Childcare Data Center reports that 14% of a family’s income is needed to cover the costs which can cause headaches for families everywhere.

“It’s probably one of the hardest things especially when you have to figure out if you’re going to work, if you’re going to stay home, and then you have to factor in cost and how expensive it is,” says parent, Gabrielle Edwards.

Martin-Pitt Partnership says the average monthly cost for child care in Pitt County is $543.45 and is $505.35 in Martin County.

The Vineyard Preschool Director, Merrie Boone, says there’s more than just finances to consider when choosing childcare.

“I’m a parent myself so I know that struggle. I want my kid to be in the best program possible but also want it to be affordable so we really just want to provide an option that’s a Montessori-style education that is affordable,” Boone told WITN.

The Vineyard Preschool is providing a Montessori-inspired preschool for those in their care.

Boone says, “There’s a big emphasis on life skills so things like learning how to pour water, learning how to take on and off your shoes, learning how to put on your coat. Those are skills that children are going to use at home and in kindergarten. It’s also fun for children to help cut a banana, or to pour water, or to play with those things that as adults we may be like ‘oh no, no, don’t do that because you’re going to make a mess but it’s okay, they’re learning and growing.”

The main goal is to empower young kids to go out in the world and make a difference from a young age, according to Boone. “Your children, they’re playing and they’re learning and they’re growing and you can trust that they’re safe while they’re here. It’s an amazing resource as a parent to know that your children are being taught and enriched while here.”

The Vineyard Preschool is hosted by GCF Church in Greenville and enrollment for the Fall of 2024 is already underway.

For more information and to apply, you can visit their Instagram or website to view the available options.