Childcare center to bring new life to vacant church

by Andy Greenman

While house shopping on the West side of town, Ryan Zens noticed a unique structure for sale. It was much larger than he had envisioned, but this property caught his eye.

Zens parked his car along South Canyon Road and walked up to the front steps of the Seventh- Day Adventist Church. A pastor inside surprised him and asked if he wanted a grand tour of the 1950 building.

The pastor took him through the classrooms, kitchen and open spaces when Zens realized, this was “a facility that could offer amazing childcare to the area.”

A veteran childcare worker, Zens has a life-long passion for helping children and families. He spent 11 years helping children at Ellsworth Air Force Base and the past 14 years at Monument Health.

Alfred Waldo and Ryan Zens

Photo by Andy Greenman

It was there at Monument Health he met RN Alfred Waldo, who had moved to Rapid City from the Philippians in 2018. Waldo has also spent much of his life caring for adolescents, and has seen the recent population growth in Rapid City, as childcare centers have filled-up and many have extended waitlists.

Before diving into a new business venture, the two polled neighborhoods and discovered they needed to help. Zens and Waldo purchased the church in December 2020. “We want to fill a need and thought this was the best option,” said Zens. With their 36 years of combined childcare experience, they set forth with their mission to provide high quality of care to families.

When the center opens, Every Child is Special will offer care from 2-13 years of age. The facility will hold programs that include preschool, toddler care, special needs, summer camps and after school. What sets them apart is having an RN, Waldo, on site.

While a new sprinkler system is currently being installed, Zens is working towards finding the right staff. He requires all employees to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) degree, and “have experience to help mold and grow the children, the classroom work and day-to-day activities.” They will also make sure the staff receives continuous training and is knowledgeable of all situations.

The center received assistance from Elevate Rapid City when they received a $25,000 childcare loan. The loan program was created to assist childcare providers experiencing challenges as a result of Covid-19. Zens said the funds will contribute to an extended learning classroom for students. “When they are not in school, they can still do their learning and be connected. It will provide internet and nice desks as well as pandemic relief.”

Just as the Adventist Church has done for the past 70 years, Every Child is Special will continue to help children and families. Parties interested in viewing the remodeled parish will soon be able to take a virtual tour on Facebook. Every Child is Special plans to open this spring.