Our History

 

As a result of information gathered through the Appleton Area School District's Future Needs Study in the 2008 - 2009 school year, the Birth - Five Coalition began initial discussions regarding the potential for a future combined Early Learning Center. One of the greatest needs identified in the Future Needs Study was the need for families to gather information about multiple programs for their children and their family by visiting one location rather than struggling through the maze of multiple service agency locations, contact information, and service options.

 

The idea of a combined Early Learning Center began to gain momentum in 2011 when the Mount Rushmore of the Community Early Learning Center - Dr. John Mielke, Jon Stellmacher, Lee Allinger and Judy Baseman - had deeper conversations about the idea.  If you saw two of them, three of them, or all four conversing during this time period, it is likely the discussion involved creating the framework of the CELC we know today.

 

When St Mary Catholic Central School site became available for renovation in 2013, the Community Early Learning Center of the Fox Valley was on its way to becoming a reality.

 

It was a joyful day in September of 2014 when the renovation of the 54,000 sq. ft. facility was complete and the Community Early Learning Center of the Fox Valley opened its doors!