In 1998, it was estimated that approximately 2,400 children participating in the Head Start program in metro Atlanta were enrolled in unlicensed facilities, many of which were in deplorable condition.  Early Learning Property Management (ELPM) was incorporated in 1999 as a 501(c)3 to address these issues and be a force in upgrading the educational achievement, health standards and quality of life for young children and their families.  During its first 5 years, ELPM, in partnership with Smart Start Georgia (GELI in 1998), helped to re-align the Fulton County Head Start program by joining forces with the philanthropic community to quickly raise the necessary capital to renovate or build quality early learning centers to serve the facility needs of the Head Start program and other non-profit quality early care providers.

ELPM’s mission is to build quality early learning centers, primarily in disadvantaged neighborhoods, which provide high-quality education and nurturing programs birth through four years old.  Over the past 19+ years, ELPM has continued to work with the Head Start grantees and other non-profit early care providers to address the need for additional quality facilities. To date, ELPM has purchased, renovated or constructed 15 high-quality early education centers located in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Paulding and Greene counties.  These ELPM centers have accumulatively served over 36,000+ young children and their families in licensed, Quality Rated, nationally accredited or equivalent, centers.

ELPM collaborates and works closely with funders, grantmakers and philanthropists who share a common goal and commitment to address the issues facing early childhood learning, especially for the most at-risk. By coordinating and aligning resources through public and private partnerships, young children have access to high-quality, affordable early education, which is critical to build the pathway for a successful educational journey.

ELPM works with pre-qualified, proven 501(c)3 non-profit early care providers to evaluate their existing programs and explore available options to expand program services.  Once a strategic plan is in place, ELPM implements a fund raising plan, raises the capital funds for each project, and offers affordable long-term leases at below-market rates.  Each center is operated by experienced, high-quality providers with proven, sustainable track records and steady income streams.  Under the leasing terms, ELPM utilizes the rent proceeds to re-invest back into the facilities by providing the on-going maintenance services and capital projections/repairs, allowing the providers to concentrate its efforts on the development of the children rather than dealing with facility issues or raising additional funds, which would be very challenging.

Quality early learning facilities have a profound impact on the young children enrolled, and the physical environment is effective in aiding children to develop, adapt and learn. The ELPM model has empowered child care providers the opportunity to deliver programs in rich learning environments that support high-quality early learning, and where children benefit from caring relationships and nurturing program staff.

It is very important that quality education facilities are available and accessible, especially for our most at-risk, in order to provide the high-quality learning environments and care necessary for all children to be successful in their early years, as well as in their K-12 educational path.  All children, including children with disabilities or other special needs, deserve access to high-quality early learning facilities and programs.