Center’s Approach Merits White House Attention

Thanks to a unique collaboration between the South Side Learning & Development Center and OSU’s Early Childhood Education Program, there is no place “doing what works” better than the South Side Learning & Development Center – right here in Columbus’ South Side neighborhood.

How is this possible? It’s possible not only do to the support SSL&DC has received from this special Federal Early Education collaboration program, but in greater proportion thanks to supporters like YOU who helped SSL&DC through the lean years (before the collaboration) – because you knew the program at SSL&DC was second to none and delivering impressive results.

In fact, these results are impressing folks not just in Columbus – but all the way to the White House. In March 2016, President Barack Obama sent his education secretary to SSL&DC to see the Early Education collaboration program happening between OSU and SSL&DC and the stellar outcomes. You, too, can schedule a tour today to see this unique Center first-hand.

A New Home for SSL&DC Affects Overall Prosperity

Gains made by the children are only sustained if the family also progresses. So our mission has come to include referring parents to GED classes, posting job openings and collaborating with other agencies to help families improve their situations. Our new facility lets us better support families as a whole for a healthier economy for the South Side and Columbus overall.

The Renaissance Is Underway!

Historic neighborhoods • Donatos • Alchemy Café South Side Voice newspaper • The Fitness Loft Metropolitan Library • Parsons Village • The Maloney Health Center • It’s no wonder Columbus and public-private partners such as the Crane Group and United Way of Central Ohio have recently invested $16 million in the South Side.

At the Heart of Revitalization Efforts – South Side Learning & Development Center (SSL&DC) - 90+ Years of Award-Winning Quality

SSL&DC has provided affordable quality care and early learning to South Side children and families since 1922. We enable neighborhood parents to work or attend job training. Our excellent early education curriculum and talented, dedicated staff nurture at-risk children, (62% live in poverty and 33% have special needs), into kindergarten-ready, eager learners.

The South Side Needs SSL&DC
With one of the highest infant mortality rates in the U.S., the South Side’s poverty rate is the worst in Columbus with 70% of families earning less than $20,000 annually. (The U.S. Poverty Rate for a family of four is $25,100). Crime rates are twice as high as the rest of the City and unemployment is 19% versus 4%. SSL&DC’s tenure and holistic outreach uniquely position us to help bring the South Side back.

Positive Impacts of Early Childhood Education*
• Reduces crime
• Improves health
• Raises education levels
• Enhances earning capacity
• Saves money on remediation
• Creates children eager to learn
• Strengthens workforce of tomorrow

December 18, 2013 - Donatos created this amazing video, which shows how important our work is, and sent it as a holiday card to all of their contacts encouraging them to donate to SSL&DC. Thanks Donatos!!

December 14, 2012 - Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Capitol Square created this wonderful video holiday card to send to their clients encouraging them to donate to our agency as they have.

Please click the donate button above to donate to our agency and you can take advantage of your end-of-year charitable tax deduction!