Exploring a Birmingham Early Learning Center: When the Early Learning Center (ELC) at Pathways unveiled its free, licensed childcare facility in downtown Birmingham two years ago, it introduced a unique servicechildhood education for families facing homelessness.
In a landscape where shelters often provide services for families, childcare specifically tailored for young children is not always a focus.
Pathways, under United Way, has been committed to aiding women and children experiencing homelessness in Birmingham for over 30 years. The childcare center, marking its second year in November, remains a relatively rare initiative nationwide.
Bailey Real, Assistant Director for Pathways Inc., remarked, “We’ve come a long way. What we are doing is different from a lot of other places [shelters], and we’ve learned that it is challenging but worth it.”
She added, “Our parents can get into housing quicker because they can secure jobs when they have a safe place for their child. Before the early learning center, many parents would leave their kids with people who might not be safe or trustworthy simply out of necessity.”
The ELC serves not only women and children in Pathways’ emergency shelter program but also families in any homeless shelters in the Birmingham area, families sleeping outside, and those staying in any place not meant for human habitation. Parents with children aged 8 weeks to 5 years meeting these qualifications can initiate the enrollment process by calling or visiting Pathways.
Operating Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the center is licensed to serve 22 children and is available from a family’s first day of homelessness.
One in 23 children in Alabama will experience homelessness before the age of six, and the majority of the state’s homeless children in that age group reside in Jefferson County. Unfortunately, only 3 percent of these children have access to federally funded early childhood education.
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“We are not your typical daycare,” Real emphasized. “The expectations and licensing guidelines for other daycares can be challenging to implement here because we have a day center that is open for ladies living on the streets, and we are all in the same building.”
“We work hard to create a system that ensures everyone is safe and that DHR guidelines are met. We have a high standard that we follow because we believe our kids deserve the best childcare. I believe that is the way we will change the world, through education.”
Real mentioned that the ELC is always seeking improvement. Currently holding 4 out of 5 stars in Alabama’s daycare center rating system, they are working towards the fifth star. Real shared, “We’ve hired a teacher with a master’s in counseling who is great with our students.”
The daycare recently embraced a Montessori teaching style, aiming to develop natural interests and activities in young children rather than relying on formal teaching methods.
“In June, we started to take a more Montessori approach,” said Real. “We’ve completely flipped the classroom in the last few months. It’s a very homelike environment where we can meet the kids where they’re at.”
“Montessori education, in general, has become expensive and inaccessible for kids who truly need it the most, the kids it was designed for,” Real explained. “Being able to provide free childcare with a Montessori approach is something we are proud of.”
Founded in 1985, Pathways, initiated by a small group of women from the Cathedral Church of the Advent (St. Mary’s Guild) in partnership with Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM), plans to incorporate parenting classes soon, according to Real.
“Starting in November, we have a social worker dedicated to the program who will teach [moms]. If it is one parent at a time or two, she will teach them skills and empower them in that way. We think this is a huge need for our parents.”
Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to early learning Center?
The Entertainer bought ELC for £13.5M on 12 March 2019 through TEAL Group Holdings.
Why is exploration important in early childhood?
The act of exploration is crucial for toddlers’ emotional, social, and physical growth. By venturing into both the indoor and outdoor realms, under careful supervision of course, they gain valuable insights into the world and its mechanisms.
What is the difference between early learning Centre and kindergarten?
Preschool and kindergarten are early learning centers that ready young kids for school and socializing. Preschool is for 3-5 year olds, while kindergarten is for 5-6 year olds.
Is Early Learning Centre still trading?
Discover the world of early education at the Early Learning Centre today. Our mission is to provide accessible early learning opportunities globally. You can find our range of educational toys at ELC.co.uk, UK Entertainer stores, and 520 international locations.