Today we’d like to introduce you to Laverne Cheeseboro.
Hi Laverne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t choose childcare. It chose me.
For years I was miserable, working for money and what I was good at, not doing what I loved and what my heart was calling for. It wasn’t until I became a Nurse Assistant that something shifted. A little girl I cared for that was nonverbal, with many disabilities connected with me in a way I can’t fully explain. She felt safe with me. And when her mother would arrive, that little girl would smile as if to say, I’m okay. I’m in good hands. That smile captured my heart and never let go.
I became a mother at 18, my first son born at 32 weeks, my second at 28 weeks. Both premature, both with medical challenges that required round the clock care and therapy. Being a mother to two premature babies taught me love, grace, and patience. It also taught me how important it is to have a village.
Then came the news that I would not be able to have more children. I went to God broken and asked why. He answered, “You will be mother to many. I have a higher calling for your life.” He took me back to little Laverne. the little girl who played school with her siblings, her dolls, and the family dog. Always teaching. Always nurturing. It was confirmation.
In 2012 I lost my grandmother. Shortly after her funeral, my aunt handed out letters my grandmother had written in the early 90s when she was sick. I opened mine. She said, “Start the business.” She expected me to open a hair salon. She had no idea it wouldn’t be. But God did. In that moment I realized the calling didn’t start with me. It started with her. She saw it in me first.
That was the moment I stopped letting fear hold me back. In 2013 I became a Licensed Child Care Provider. Today, Heavenly Made Creations is a Star 4 Nationally Accredited Family Group Home Program. I advocate for Early Childhood Education, for Early Childhood Educators, and most of all for the families in my community because I know what it means to need a village.
My grandmother saw my calling before I could see it in myself. God took her words and built something neither of us could have imagined. Every child who walks through my door is proof that His plan is always greater than our pain.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
it has not. The childcare industry as a whole struggles with being one of the lowest paid industries, yet one of the most imprtant industries. Enrollment is up and down. Having, enforcing, and reenforcing policies and procedures can be a struggle, but maintaining a quality program is crucial. Being transparent about the business and the processes is what has made it smooth and getting families to understand how we run our program. A smooth ride is when we have braided streaming funds to help maintain and sustain the business and pay employees. The struggle is when childcare becomes expensive in order to pay employees, but families just can’t afford it, so we have to make cuts in the ages we enroll and classrooms we open.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Founded in 2009 and licensed in 2013, Heavenly Made Creations Learning Tree is a Keystone Star 4 and nationally accredited family group childcare program located in Southwest Philadelphia. We provide high-quality early learning experiences for children while partnering with families to support the whole child socially, emotionally, academically, and developmentally. What sets us apart is our commitment to building relationships. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected. Our program combines learning through play, social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness, positive affirmations, and family engagement to create an environment where children can thrive. We offer PHLpreK to the community which is free to families and funded by the City of Philadelphia.
We are especially known for creating a family atmosphere where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated. Parents often tell us that they appreciate the genuine love, communication, and individualized attention their children receive.
Beyond the classroom, I am a strong advocate for early childhood education, childcare providers, and families. I believe quality childcare should be accessible, respected, and recognized as a vital foundation for children’s success and family stability. I am most proud that Heavenly Made Creations has remained rooted in its mission for over 15 years. We have grown from a small family and neighbor program into a nationally accredited family group program without losing the personal touch that makes us special. Every child who enters our program becomes part of our extended family.
I want readers to know that Heavenly Made Creations was built on purpose, passion, and faith. Our name reflects what we believe that every child is Heavenly Made, uniquely gifted, and deserving of a learning environment that honors who they are and who they are becoming.
We are currently enrolling for the 2026/2027 school year with PHLpreK slots available and we have slots available for children age 3 to 5 years old and we have 6 slots available for Private pay families and accepting subsidy for children ages 3 to 5 years old.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned to take care of me. While I am doing what I love, burnout can still happen. Forgetting to take care of myself can happen. The business will struggle if we don’t take care of ourselves.
Pricing:
- PHLpreK is Free for Philadelphia Residents
- $425 weekly tuition
- Subsidy accepted
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.heavenlymadecreations.com
