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ELNC changes the lives of our most vulnerable children through the power of education.

 

Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) is a non-profit organization that is vested in changing the current reality of vulnerable children by implementing an intentional Early Childhood Education service system aimed at providing, expanding and sustaining the capacity of high quality early care and education programs in the vulnerable neighborhoods of Grand Rapids.

What started in 2011 as a demonstration project, is now a replicable model that can be implemented in any community with vulnerable children. Furthermore, ELNC is now a model of a continuum of early childhood education services both in Kent County and the State of Michigan.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn more about the programming and education services that we offer. We invite you to partner with ELNC and share your talent and/or treasure with us.

ELNC changes the lives of our most vulnerable children through the power of education.

Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) is a non-profit organization that is vested in changing the current reality of vulnerable children by implementing an intentional Early Childhood Education service system aimed at providing, expanding and sustaining the capacity of high quality early care and education programs in the vulnerable neighborhoods of Grand Rapids.

What started in 2011 as a demonstration project, is now a replicable model that can be implemented in any community with vulnerable children. Furthermore, ELNC is now a model of a continuum of early childhood education services both in Kent County and the State of Michigan.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn more about the programming and education services that we offer. We invite you to partner with ELNC and share your talent and/or treasure with us.


THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES


Since 2010, ELNC has offered innovative early childhood, summer learning, and parent engagement opportunities in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

7867

Children Served


 
 
 
 

Latest News


April 17, 2023

Scholten Helps Early Learning Center Apply For Federal Funding

‘This money will go a long way’: Scholten helps early learning center apply for federal funding. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten submitted 15 local projects for Community Project […]
November 9, 2022

Professional Development through “Equity Talks”

Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) and First Steps Kent, two leaders in early childhood education, have partnered to help advance educational equity in West Michigan. On […]
November 19, 2021

Childcare options expanding in Grand Rapids southeast neighborhoods

    Affordable childcare options for working parents in Grand Rapids’ southeast neighborhoods are about to expand. IFF, a lender/developer for nonprofits, the Early Learning Neighborhood […]
 
 

Latest News


April 17, 2023

Scholten Helps Early Learning Center Apply For Federal Funding

‘This money will go a long way’: Scholten helps early learning center apply for federal funding. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten submitted 15 local projects for Community Project […]
November 9, 2022

Professional Development through “Equity Talks”

Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) and First Steps Kent, two leaders in early childhood education, have partnered to help advance educational equity in West Michigan. On […]
November 19, 2021

Childcare options expanding in Grand Rapids southeast neighborhoods

    Affordable childcare options for working parents in Grand Rapids’ southeast neighborhoods are about to expand. IFF, a lender/developer for nonprofits, the Early Learning Neighborhood […]

Love Notes


ELNC 's children are thriving developmentally and educationally.
Here are their stories...

  • Claire Smith, Mother of Malaysia Smith
    My daughter has been attending ELNC since the beginning of the year and I have noticed such a difference in her talking and vocabulary. She knows all her colors and recognizes her surroundings and anything I point at she knows. By her coming to ELNC four days a week she has shown a major improvement in counting and her conversation. She wants to learn so much more and enjoys her classmates as well as her great teachers. ELNC has provided my child a safe place to learn, filled with greetings and smiles when my family, or myself bring her to school. I look forward to growing with ELNC as my daughter enters the 4 year old program.
    Claire Smith, Mother of Malaysia Smith
  • Mother of Samual Avelina Sosa, Father of Samuel Ernestino Sosa
    We are very pleased with the school, ELNC because my son Samuel has learned a lot of English. And here in our home he also speak more English. We recommend to many parents because they have very good English and Spanish teachers. And there have been neighborhood meetings, with the school and teachers, that is good because action has been taken on certain matters.
    Mother of Samual Avelina Sosa, Father of Samuel Ernestino Sosa
  • Ana Trujilo Gonzalez, Mother of Cristal Trujillo-Trijillo
    I am mother of Cristal and am very happy because my daughter learned how to relate with children and speak. And I think ELNC has done good work with my daughter. Teachers and all staff have been extremely supportive and friendly. For future children, I recommend it because it’s a school that is very supportive during the children’s time there.
    Ana Trujilo Gonzalez, Mother of Cristal Trujillo-Trijillo
  • Aunt of Melany and Jayme Tino
    I am grateful to this school and all of you teachers because my nephew and niece have learned many things from you. For example, my nephew and niece know how to speak more English and are more responsible. They pick up their toys at home and respect the people by saying hello. My niece is now more lively and also learned to speak more English and smiles more with people. Thank you for the time you have devoted to our children and school.
    Aunt of Melany and Jayme Tino

Love Notes


ELNC 's children are thriving developmentally and educationally.
Here are their stories...

(Swipe left or right to view more)

  • Claire Smith, Mother of Malaysia Smith
    My daughter has been attending ELNC since the beginning of the year and I have noticed such a difference in her talking and vocabulary. She knows all her colors and recognizes her surroundings and anything I point at she knows. By her coming to ELNC four days a week she has shown a major improvement in counting and her conversation. She wants to learn so much more and enjoys her classmates as well as her great teachers. ELNC has provided my child a safe place to learn, filled with greetings and smiles when my family, or myself bring her to school. I look forward to growing with ELNC as my daughter enters the 4 year old program.
    Claire Smith, Mother of Malaysia Smith
  • Mother of Samual Avelina Sosa, Father of Samuel Ernestino Sosa
    We are very pleased with the school, ELNC because my son Samuel has learned a lot of English. And here in our home he also speak more English. We recommend to many parents because they have very good English and Spanish teachers. And there have been neighborhood meetings, with the school and teachers, that is good because action has been taken on certain matters.
    Mother of Samual Avelina Sosa, Father of Samuel Ernestino Sosa
  • Ana Trujilo Gonzalez, Mother of Cristal Trujillo-Trijillo
    I am mother of Cristal and am very happy because my daughter learned how to relate with children and speak. And I think ELNC has done good work with my daughter. Teachers and all staff have been extremely supportive and friendly. For future children, I recommend it because it’s a school that is very supportive during the children’s time there.
    Ana Trujilo Gonzalez, Mother of Cristal Trujillo-Trijillo
  • Aunt of Melany and Jayme Tino
    I am grateful to this school and all of you teachers because my nephew and niece have learned many things from you. For example, my nephew and niece know how to speak more English and are more responsible. They pick up their toys at home and respect the people by saying hello. My niece is now more lively and also learned to speak more English and smiles more with people. Thank you for the time you have devoted to our children and school.
    Aunt of Melany and Jayme Tino