About Gateway Christian Education Center
Serving Families With Faith, Care, and Purpose
Gateway Christian Education Center exists to serve families in St. Albans with safe, affordable, Christ-centered childcare for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years.
As a ministry of Gateway Christian Church, our work is rooted in a simple but meaningful mission: to care for children in a way that reflects Biblical truth, honors each child’s uniqueness, and supports families during some of the most formative years of life.
Choosing childcare is deeply personal. We understand the weight of that decision, and we consider it a privilege to walk alongside families in this season.
Our Mission
The mission of The GCEC is:
To provide safe and affordable childcare and education for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Our faith-centered program incorporates Biblical morals and values that we hope will remain with the child(ren) throughout life.
We seek to help each child develop to his or her maximum potential in social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development by:
Appreciating each child as a unique individual capable of learning and contributing to the community
Respecting the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every child
Helping children and adults grow within relationships built on trust, respect, and positive interactions
This mission shapes everything we do from classroom routines to the way we communicate with families.
What We Believe About Children
Our philosophy, as outlined in our Parent Handbook, begins with this belief:
Children are a precious gift from God and are created in His image.
We believe children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences. We believe relationships matter. We believe guidance should be grace-filled. And we believe faith is not something separate from daily life. It’s woven naturally into how we teach, respond, and care.
Through prayer, worship, Bible teaching, and everyday interactions, children are gently introduced to Biblical truth in ways that are age-appropriate and nurturing.
At the same time, we are intentional about supporting each child’s development socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically, helping them build confidence, responsibility, and healthy relationships.
A Place of Structure and Stability
Gateway Christian Education Center is a licensed facility serving children from infancy through school age. We follow West Virginia DHHR regulations, maintain appropriate teacher-child ratios, and ensure staff are trained in CPR and First Aid.
We use developmental observation tools, including the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, to support each child’s growth and classroom transitions. Meals are provided through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), meeting USDA standards.
Behind the scenes, policies and procedures exist not to feel rigid, but to create a stable, predictable environment where children feel secure and families feel confident.
Leadership and Partnership
At Gateway Christian Education Center, leadership is hands-on and deeply invested in the families we serve.
Our childcare center is led by Director Brittany Saporito and Assistant Director Emily Parrish, who work closely together to guide daily operations, support teachers, and ensure every classroom reflects our mission and standards of care.
They are present in the building, involved in the life of the center, and committed to creating an environment where children feel secure and families feel confident.
Brittany Saporito
Director
Brittany serves as Director of Gateway Christian Education Center and oversees the overall vision, daily operations, and compliance of the center.
Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to safe, structured care and a faith-centered environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Emily Parrish
Assistant Director
Emily serves as Assistant Director and plays an active role in supporting teachers, assisting families, and maintaining the day-to-day flow of the center.
She works closely with teachers to ensure classrooms operate smoothly and families receive consistent communication and support.
Partnering With Families
Caring for children is a shared calling. We recognize parents and guardians as a child’s first and most important teachers, and we consider it a privilege to work alongside families during these formative years.
Strong partnerships are built on trust, consistency, and open communication. At Gateway Christian Education Center, we prioritize clear and ongoing communication so families feel informed, heard, and supported.
Families can expect:
Regular updates through the ProCare app
Daily communication from classroom teachers as needed
Center-wide updates regarding schedules, events, and important reminders
We also value opportunities to build community. Throughout the year, families may be invited to participate in classroom celebrations, seasonal events, and special gatherings that strengthen relationships and create a sense of belonging.
When families and caregivers work together, children are better supported socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. That partnership is central to who we are.
Rooted in Community
As a ministry of Gateway Christian Church, GCEC is part of the St. Albans community. Many families connect with us through word of mouth, church relationships, or long-standing trust in our center.
From infancy through after-school care, we strive to create continuity for families who desire a stable, faith-centered environment throughout their child’s early years.
Looking Ahead
Every day at Gateway Christian Education Center is shaped by the same guiding purpose: to provide care that is safe, structured, and grounded in Biblical truth.
We approach this responsibility with humility, accountability, and gratitude for the families we serve.
If you’re considering Gateway Christian Education Center for your child, we invite you to learn more about our programs and determine whether our community is the right fit for your family.
