Wilderness Early Learning Center

A Collaborative Project by The Acorn School

 

www.wildernesslearning.org

 

 

What is the Wilderness Early Learning Center?

Wilderness Early Learning Center is a new early childhood center by the founders of the acclaimed Acorn School in north-east Boulder focused on serving families with children ages 0 – 6. This center represents a unique model in childhood services that brings together high quality education, medical, social-emotional, language and other community support all in one facility.

Why?

Research shows that giving children early enrichment and intervention is critically important to long term success [1]. However, in Boulder, families are too often struggling to find high quality care for infants and toddlers. In addition, special services for young children (e.g. language, dental, medical) are available but often hard to access. The Wilderness Place aims to bridge this gap and give children the strong start they need and deserve.

 

“Early learning is the best investment that we as society can make to improve educational performance and ensure that children have the opportunity to become successful adults” -Bill Gates, in testimony to the Senate Education Committee

Who is involved?

Wilderness Early Learning Center truly is a collaborative community project and parallels the principles of the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County’s “Early Childhood Framework”.  Our partners, most of whom will be located within the Wilderness Center building, include the following quality organizations, and more.

Daily Camera Articles

Boulder may give Acorn School $1M to build new early childhood center

Boulder grants $1M to early childhood center

Wilderness Early Learning Center opened in August 2012 opening to coincide with the start of the school year. Wilderness Center was purchase in December 2011, and is collaborating with funders, architects, contractors and partner organizations.

How can you help?

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, so please contact us if you’d like to get involved. In addition, in order to realize the Wilderness Early Learning Center, we are also in need of additional funds. Your donation will give children the strong start they deserve!

For more information, contact Matt Eldred at matt@theacornschool.org or call The Acorn School at 303-938-8233.

[1] See for example “Early Childhood Education for All A Wise Investment” at http://web.mit.edu/workplacecenter/docs/Full%20Report.pdf

[2] Early Childhood Framework, Boulder County 2010. http://www.eccbouldercounty.org/building-initiatives.aspx

[3] Depending on your situation, you may receive almost 90% of your donation back through Colorado and Federal Tax Benefits