OUR MISSION:
To help young learners develop, families succeed, and neighborhoods thrive.
Bright Minds Start Here.
90% of the brain is developed in the first five years of life.* We utilize evidence-based practices to make the most of these years. Through responsive care giving and intentional teaching, we create bright starts for the betterment of our children, families, and community.
Our Model
CELC is the oldest early education & care provider in the midwest. Founded in 1886, we have been passionately committed to supporting Columbus children and their families since our inception. We provide education to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, the most critical period in a person’s life, through year-round, all-day programming and home visiting. By providing accessible care to families, we enable them to secure the financial and professional resources to move out of poverty.
Education & Care Centers
Our early learning centers are the cornerstone of the work we do. We use a holistic play-based curriculum and partner with families to support the success of each of our 300+ students.
Homevisiting
We support healthy development where it starts, the home. We empower parents by giving them the tools to teach their children. We utilize the ParentChild+ and Healthy Families America programs.
Family Support
In addition to providing guardians with the time resources to work, we offer family engagement experiences, learning materials, and basic needs support.
Invest in a Child. Invest in a Family. Invest in the Future of a Community.
Comprehensive high-quality early childhood education & care programs like CELC yield a return on investment of 13.7% by improving child outcomes and increasing parental income.* Support for the early years is an investment in the health and happiness of a community.