An Augusta County childcare center was shut down by the state at the end of June, but under a new name and leadership, the Verona facility will soon open its doors again with a fresh vision for the future.
Natural Wonders Early Learning Center, located at 74 Quicks Mill Road in Verona, is eyeing Sept. 2 for a reopening date.
Wonder Land Enrichment Center, which operated at the same location, had its licensing revoked by the Virginia Department of Education effective June 26.
The family-owned center, owned by Carol Maddox, served more than 100 families with infants and children from six weeks old to 12 years of age and had been operation in Augusta County for more than two decades.
The Department of Social Services, who provides routine inspections of childcare centers, showed multiple complaints and violations for Wonder Land, ranging from discipline techniques to a lack of supervision at times. In one instance, a child ran out of the center toward an intersection but was not injured.
Despite numerous appeals by the center and community members, the center was forced to close its doors after they were told the “decision is final” and their license would “not be renewed.” The center still had options to appeal, but it could not remain open any longer while they pursued them.
Path to reopening tested perseverance
Rebecca Ward, the administrator of Wonder Land and daughter of Maddox, told AFP in June that she wasn’t going to give up despite the state’s decision.
She planned to submit a new license application with her name as director. She anticipated a 30-day turnaround to receive her license and said she would rent the building from her mother.
Ward, true to her word, now has a license, and will open Natural Wonders with a new partner – her sister, Emily Maddox, approximately two months later.
ICYMI
The path to opening Natural Wonders has admittedly been overwhelming and tested their patience and perseverance, Ward said, with licensing, regulations and staffing issues.
Each hurdle, however, has only strengthened their commitment to their vision: to create a safe, nurturing space where children can learn and grow through the beauty of nature and play.
Ward, who will serve as director, brings more than two decades of experience in early childhood education and center administration. A lifelong nature enthusiast and avid angler, she is passionate about creating programs that encourage children to learn through hands-on exploration and discovery.
Emily Maddox, co-owner, has extensive experience in childcare and program management. She is dedicated to building supportive environments where children feel safe, nurtured and inspired to grow.
Their love for children comes from their mother, Carol, who inspired them to pursue careers in early childhood education.
“This is such an exciting milestone for us as we prepare to welcome families back,” Ward said.
A community open house is planned for Saturday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The open house will give families the chance to tour classrooms, meet teachers and explore the outdoor learning environments. Fun activities and refreshments will also be provided.
An initial inspection of the facility is taking place next week before the open house.
Sisters team up with new vision focused on nature
The sisters are excited about the new direction of the center with an emphasis on nature.
“When children spend time outdoors, they gain more than fresh air and exercise—they develop creativity, resilience, problem-solving skills and a sense of wonder about the world around them,” Ward said.
“Playing in the dirt, climbing over logs, listening to birds or building with sticks are more than just fun activities; they are opportunities for learning and growth.”
Nature-based play, Ward said, helps children build confidence, strengthen social skills and connect deeply with the environment.
“We know that children benefit immensely when they can explore the world around them, so we’ve created a program where nature isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a part of everyday learning,” said Ward.
The center includes a mud kitchen, outdoor classroom space and additional play elements designed to promote learning through nature.
“There is a real need in the Verona area for a childcare program that goes beyond traditional classrooms,” said Emily Maddox. “Families are looking for a place where their children can play, explore and connect with nature every single day. Natural Wonders was created to meet that need and to give children a space where learning feels joyful and natural.”
Natural Wonders Early Learning Center isn’t a traditional childcare center, the duo told AFP.
“We want families to know that their children will be playing in the dirt, exploring plants, and learning through discovery,” Ward said. “Nature is our classroom.”
For more information, contact Natural Wonders Early Learning Center at [email protected]
Support AFP
Share
Crystal Graham
