30 Mar Women In Business Spotlight: Amazing Grace Child Care and Preschool Builds Community in Antioch

Stephanie Jones-Crossland looks after kids and provides other services to Antioch families with her business, Amazing Grace Child Care and Preschool. (Courtesy of Stephanie Jones-Crossland)

Interview, Arionna White

As a single mom who has navigated the challenges of finding quality daycare, I knew I had found something special with Amazing Grace Child Care and Preschool in Antioch.

Owned by Stephanie Jones-Crossland, Amazing Grace is more than a daycare. It’s a place where children grow, learn and thrive.

Jones-Crossland also works at Fremont Elementary School in Antioch. Outside the classroom, she founded a community outreach effort that provides free clothing, shoes and basic necessities to Fremont families in need.

At Amazing Grace Child Care, children are not just learning, they are excited to participate and be part of a nurturing environment.

Contra Costa Pulse: What inspired you to start your business, and how long have you been operating?

Stephanie Jones-Crossland: I decided to open a childcare when Covid began in 2020. Due to many business closing and parents working from home, I knew there was something that needed to be done to help support children and their families. I did my research and completed all orientations and documents to operate as a family childcare. In support of the families we service, my program provides free diapers and wipes, laundry services, and family emergency services. 

Contra Costa Pulse: What challenges are you currently facing as a business owner?

Stephanie Jones-Crossland: I have not come up against many challenges. One challenge that remains is parents who are not part of a childcare subsidy program. These parents pay out-of-pocket. In most cases, these parents need many discounts and cannot keep up with the tuition. 

Contra Costa Pulse: How do your culture, family, and community shape your work?

Stephanie Jones-Crossland: My culture, family and community shape my work daily. Having childcare in my home, it seems that my family has been very instrumental in shaping the way I teach the children and how I operate my business. I have adjusted my hours of operation due to my family dynamics. I pay close attention to what’s happening in my community. My attention to the community allows me to meet the physical needs of the families by providing free clothing, food and toiletries. 

Contra Costa Pulse: What does survival and success look like to you?

Stephanie Jones-Crossland: I provide these services to families so their basic needs will be met. As a youth and young adult, I struggled with chronic homelessness. There were many moments that I wished someone cared enough to give me food. I had to survive on the streets on my own for years. As a result, I vowed to always care and provide for children and their families. I believe that if parents could have their family basic needs met, they would not stress so much. If the parents are not stressed, the children have greater life experience daily. When I provide a need, seeing and hearing parents relieved is what I call success! 

Contra Costa Pulse: What is your vision or dream for the future of your business?

Stephanie Jones-Crossland: Although I already provide these services, I’d love my own outside location. My dream is to purchase a building for the Amazing Grace Community Support Center, where I would provide career development, a free clothing closet, a food pantry and a laundry room.

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If you find yourself needing childcare, call Jones-Crossland at (310) 900-9131.