Hannah Bentel & The Learning Grove
In late 2025, The Learning Grove Childcare + Preschool opened its doors in Sissonville, West Virginia, bringing creative early childhood education and much-needed childcare capacity to families across Kanawha County. Owned and operated by savvy entrepreneur Hannah Bentel, the center marked the first new childcare business to open as a direct result of Advantage Valley’s FASTER WV Childcare Business Workshops. Located at 1975 Kelmont Lane (formerly Little Kids Daycare), The Learning Grove quickly became a welcoming, community-centered space for children from infancy through age 12.
Hannah’s journey to opening The Learning Grove was shaped by both experience and passion. Originally from Kentucky, she already owned and operated a licensed childcare center there, but expanding into West Virginia presented a new set of challenges. She participated in a FASTER WV Childcare Business Workshop in Putnam County, where she received guidance on West Virginia licensing requirements, regulatory processes, and startup logistics. “I knew how to run a center in Kentucky, but I had no idea where to begin in West Virginia,” Bentel shared. “Advantage Valley was vital to the opening of my center—especially helping me find the right location.”
With support from FASTER WV coaching and regional connections, Hannah secured a facility well-suited for childcare, removing one of the most significant barriers to opening. She also accessed FASTER WV Technical Assistance funding, which helped offset critical startup expenses. “Their technical assistance grants were a huge help with some smaller but essential costs.” Bentel said. These targeted resources helped ensure the center opened fully operational and on schedule.
Grounded in Hannah’s belief that every child deserves a safe, stimulating environment where learning feels like a joyful adventure, The Learning Grove was designed to blend play-based learning with thoughtful exploration. The center serves children from six weeks to 12 years old, with classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-K, as well as before- and after-school care and seasonal programming. Weekly themed activities encouraged creativity and confidence-building, while tools like Brightwheel supported real-time communication with families, keeping parents closely connected to their child’s daily experiences.
At opening, The Learning Grove provided quality care for up to 60 children, with plans to expand capacity as staffing and demand allowed. The center featured amenities that supported learning, socialization, and movement, including shared meal spaces, literacy-rich environments, and indoor and outdoor play areas. More than a childcare center, The Learning Grove reflected Hannah’s commitment to community, connection, and meaningful growth for both children and families.
Hannah Bentel’s success illustrates how FASTER WV coaching, technical assistance, and childcare-focused workshops help entrepreneurs translate passion into sustainable businesses that strengthen the regional workforce. Advantage Valley continues to encourage existing childcare providers, early childhood professionals, and aspiring owners to explore FASTER WV resources as a pathway to expanding childcare access and creating more openings for children and working families across the region.
Now Open | Childcare Spots Available
Families seeking high-quality childcare in the Sissonville area are encouraged to learn more about The Learning Grove here.
Interested in opening or expanding a childcare business?
FASTER WV offers coaching, technical assistance, and childcare-focused workshops to help entrepreneurs navigate licensing, facilities, and startup costs. Learn more here.