Lakewood Resident Praises The YWCA Early Learning Center For Excellence In Childcare

Michael Fleenor, George Graham, their daughter Ellen and her friend Tayoun at the Early Learning Center

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One of the best-kept secrets in all of Cleveland is the Early Learning Center at YWCA Greater Cleveland. You’ll find children at play, and early childhood education at its best.

Parents Michael Fleenor and George Graham attribute the Early Learning Center with “building a love of learning” in their two children, both of whom have attended the program since they were just a few months old. When their son Robert started kindergarten and was tested to determine his academic level, he was the only student in the class of 25 to receive a perfect score. “He seemed to be ahead of what they were doing in kindergarten,” says Fleenor. “I am sure that the strong academic foundation he has is partly due to his experience at the YWCA.”

Everyone on staff is doing what they love most – working with children and helping families establish a solid educational foundation for their children’s future.

Fleenor says that after looking at several childcare programs, he ultimately chose the Early Learning Center because of its convenient location and educational environment. “We probably chose the Early Learning Center because it was so convenient to our offices – but we also liked the diversity, especially in the infant rooms.”

Take a quick glance into any of the classrooms at the Early Learning Center and you will see that the children in this unique program are a true reflection of the local community. The Early Learning Center welcomes children and families of all races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status and other dimensions of difference.

“One of the hallmarks of all of our programs at the YWCA is our strong commitment to diversity and inclusion,” says Program Director Christine Davis. “At the Early Learning Center, we have created a wonderful environment where diversity is celebrated – and this is greatly valued by the parents and families of the children enrolled here.”

What you need to know about the Early Learning Center before you go

The Early Learning Center provides a high-quality, comprehensive, age-appropriate learning environment for children ages ranging from six weeks to five years.

The YWCA is proud that the Early Learning Center has earned a two-star rating by the State of Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program, indicating it has exceeded the licensing requirements with its evidence-based curriculum, low teacher-child ratios, high teacher education levels, focus on professional development and effective administrative practices.

The Early Learning Center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and is currently enrolling children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. It is conveniently located at 4019 Prospect Avenue in Midtown Cleveland – minutes from downtown and University Circle. For more information, contact Program Director Christine Davis by phone at 216.881.6878 x234, or email at cdavis@ywcaofcleveland.org.

Children enjoy a wide variety of age-appropriate activities as part of the highly acclaimed Creative Curriculum. Experienced and enthusiastic teachers help make learning fun while building the children’s motor skills, social skills and development abilities.

Fleenor says that he would recommend the program because of its great staff and location. “I have always appreciated the ELC’s high quality staff. I feel good about having my child here during the day and it’s very convenient for me to be able to get here easily.”