A Heart and Soul for Early Childhood Education

January 2020

Upon meeting Pastor Curry, the director of Ezion Fair Christian Academy, it becomes quickly apparent he is an educator driven to do better for young children. “The foundation sets the tone for children’s love of learning,” said Curry. “Our heart is to expose our children appropriately to ‘better.’”

And better is reflected in every detail at Ezion Fair Christian Academy. First, Pastor Curry is passionate about early childhood education. “This is my heart,” adds Pastor Curry. “I believe every child is unique and deserves individualized care balanced with helping him/her feel a part of something bigger.”

Located in the Southbridge community in Wilmington, the academy serves infants to preschool ages, including a school-age program. The expansive property includes both a church and a state-of-the-art Wholeness Life Center, housing the program’s seven classrooms.

The Wholeness Life Center is the fruition of the Pastor’s vision to create a place that ministers to the “whole” person in a “whole” context – socially, emotionally, and physically. The facility includes the early child care classrooms, adult learning classrooms, a dance studio, and gymnasium. Additionally, the center is equipped with the most up-to-date technology. The early child care classrooms each include a smartboard to expand and build upon the staff’s teaching capabilities.

The staff makes the “better” the Pastor speaks about come to life. According to Sue Taylor, the Delaware Stars TA, the teachers are what makes this program so unique. “Each staff member has a genuine love for children.”

“Our relationship with Delaware Stars allows us to invest in the teachers,” said Pastor Curry. “Because of Delaware Stars, we have continuity in our staff.”

There also is continuity in the children’s learning experience because of its use of HighScope curriculum. “The curriculum guides our teacher in developing a daily activities schedule to support the children’s natural desire to be active learners,” said Pastor Curry.

As you leave the Wholeness Life Center, there is a laminated sign of all of Pastor Curry’s favorite quotes. One of them is “Quality outdoes Quantity.” His vision of “better” aligns with Stars focus on continuous quality improvement.