New Early Childhood Learning Center

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    ECLC rendering

    Proposed classroom designs for the new ECLC

    CSD's new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is dedicated to providing a high-quality, accessible educational facility for children from infant through Pre-K. This initiative reflects CSD's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and equity by offering critical early learning opportunities designed to close the academic achievement gap. With the ECLC, CSD aims to ensure that all children in the City of Decatur—regardless of background or socioeconomic status—have access to exceptional early learning experiences that lay a strong foundation for long-term academic success.

    The new ECLC will be located at Electric Avenue and W. Trinity Place across from the Ebster Recreation Center and within walking distance of the Decatur Housing Authority (DHA). The new ECLC will be open to all children infant-Pre-K in the City of Decatur.

    Need
    Families living in affordable housing need increased access to high-quality childcare. A resident services household survey in 2021 showed that 20% of respondents were unable to progress towards attending and/or completing college or a job training/certificate program due to childcare issues. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents with young children did not have their children enrolled in an early childhood education program. As of 2024, 67 children living in DHA communities are not enrolled in the Frasier Center or College Heights.

    Vision
    The new ECLC will provide critical early learning opportunities for students from all backgrounds to help address the achievement gap by better preparing all students for kindergarten, particularly students from lower-income families.

    Early childhood education lays the foundation for a child's future academic, social, and emotional development. Babies and children who attend quality early childhood education programs are more likely to succeed academically, graduate from high school, and attend college. These programs offer an invaluable opportunity to level the playing field for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. 

    Contact EarlyLearning@csdecatur.net to discuss or learn more.