(March 26, 2021) After more than two years of planning and a year of construction, a brand new early childhood learning center will be opening this September in Newark’s Clinton Hill neighborhood. It all started with a series of conversations between Barbara Reisman of The Maher Charitable Foundation, La Casa de Don Pedro, and Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc. to address a lack of quality early childhood education facilities in Newark.
With a state-of-the-art design, a central courtyard that provides secure and visible playgrounds for each age group, hallways with large windows facing open spaces on both sides, and rooms that are interconnected with kitchens and diaper change areas, no detail was overlooked during the planning phase. Once open, it will be instantly apparent that the new center was built to provide a much-needed space that is conducive to learning and early childhood development. The new building will also offer extended childcare services and a community space available for rent.
The building will be cohabitated by Clinton Hill’s Pre-K programs and La Casa’s Early Head Start programs, providing quality care and services to approximately 200 children and their families. Deanna Franklin, La Casa’s current Center Director for the Early Head Start center at 9-23 Dewey St., along with her staff, will make the transition to the new building as well and lead the charge as the Fall semester opens back up in its new home. La Casa de Don Pedro is happy to finally see this plan come to fruition and is excited to add yet another space where our community can thrive.