The new Clackamas Early Learning Center, opened earlier this fall, is now buzzing with activity. Home to six classrooms serving over 100 children ages 0-5 and the headquarters of Clackamas ESD’s early childhood evaluation center, the space is filled with the sounds of children laughing and learning.
“This center embodies the concept of service,” says Karina Bruzzese, Clackamas Early Learning Center principal. “We are here to serve children and their families through multiple programs focused on creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all. We are committed to supporting the physical, social-emotional, and academic well-being of our early learners, their families, and each other.”
Intentionally designed for the developmental needs of early learners, the center’s calming muted colors, natural light from large windows, and appropriate size and scale of fixtures and furniture create a space ripe for fostering belonging and facilitating deep learning.
“The new Clackamas Early Learning Center is wonderful,” says Irum Zia, head teacher of one of the Head Start to Success preschool classes in the center. “In previous years, our classroom was located in an elementary school, so spaces were designed for children five and up. The elementary school playground equipment was too large for our students to play on. The playgrounds at the Clackamas Early Learning Center are ADA-accessible and designed for young children. It’s been amazing seeing our students run, jump, and climb all over them confidently.”
In addition to Clackamas ESD’s Head Start to Success classes, other early learning classes at the center are offered through partnerships with Preschool Promise, Clackamas ESD’s Clackamas ESD’s early childhood special education program, the Clackamas County Children’s Commission, and the Future Generations Collaborative.
The center’s lower level is the new home of Clackamas ESD’s early intervention services, where early education specialists screen young children for disabilities or delays that affect learning and provide appropriate tailored services, free of charge to families.
Before the new center’s opening, early intervention evaluations and services took place in repurposed offices and classrooms. The new early childhood evaluation center’s intimate, thoughtfully designed evaluation rooms help children feel safe and at ease during screenings, while the family meeting spaces provide a comfortable, neutral setting for interventions like speech or occupational therapy.
“We are excited to offer a more welcoming and supportive environment for both children and families,” says Sara Snow, Clackamas ESD’s director of early intervention/early childhood special education programs. “For many families, especially those experiencing homelessness or navigating co-parenting, access to services can be a challenge. By creating spaces that reflect the warmth and familiarity of a home, we’re able to meet children and families where they are and ensure they receive the support they need to thrive.”
In addition to its classrooms and early intervention spaces, the Clackamas Early Learning Center also features meeting rooms and a dedicated training area that foster collaboration and professional growth for early childhood educators. Learn more about the Clackamas Early Learning Center.
