Empowering Children to be Their Very Best

Learn. Thrive. Grow. Learn how this one of a kind educational facility is empowering children to learn, thrive and grow, so that they can be their very best.

Teacher with students.

A Team With One Vision Dedicated to Excellence in Early Learning

The West Lakes Early Learning Center is an innovative program led by Alfreda Clark, Center Director, and Maria Katz, Director of Education, and brought together by community partners Bainum Foundation, AdventHealth, Lift Orlando and Primrose Schools®. Our leadership is dedicated to improving early learning services available in the underserved communities of West Lakes Orlando.

Meet Our Leadership

Your Support Goes a Long Way

The West Lakes Early Learning Center operations are more than 90% covered by philanthropy, and the future success of the children in our care depends on the support of our community.

When you sponsor a scholar, you are contributing to a child’s education and well-being. Help us ensure a brighter future for children in our community by nourishing their body, mind and spirit with a gift to the Early Learning Center today.

Teacher and student at the West Lakes Early Learning Center

Dedicated to Keeping Kids Safe, Happy and Healthy

Here’s how our team is taking extra measures to keep kids and their families safe:

  • Children participate in thorough hand-washing procedures throughout the day, including when they enter the classroom and before pick-up time
  • Toys are sanitized as needed throughout the day
  • Each classroom is cleaned daily by a professional cleaning service
West Lakes Early Learning Students

A Family's Journey to Hope

Q-era's and Richard's parents share what a blessing the West Lakes Early Learning Center has been for their children's education and development. Through health screenings and personalized care, their family can feel confident knowing that Q-era and Richard have a place where they can thrive.
Watch Their Full Story

Nourishing the Body, Mind and Spirit

When we nourish your whole health, you’re stronger, more resilient and better equipped to move throughout life. This is the basis of CREATION Life, and it’s true for our youngest students to the most experienced caregivers and family members we serve. Discover how CREATION Life influences how and what we teach our students.

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Picture of Xavier playing with a xylaphone at the West Lakes Early Learning Center

Xavier's Transformative Journey Helping Our Students Achieve Their Best

"No one stifles his growth due to his disability," is what Xavier's mom said when sharing her experience with the West Lakes Early Learning Center. Xavier's Cerebral Palsy diagnosis is not stopping him from learning, growing and thriving thanks to his dedicated teachers. His physical therapist are able to come on-site and work with Xavier on his motor speech and behavior development, giving his mother comfort knowing he is cared for in a comfortable environment.

Read Xavier's Whole Story

Our Founding Partners

All Your Questions, Answered

  • What safety measurements are being implemented due to COVID-19?

    Here’s how our team is taking extra measures to keep kids and their families safe:

    • Everyone who enters the building has their temperature checked
    • Access to the building is limited to family members dropping off and picking up children in our care
    • Only children and staff are permitted inside each classroom
    • Masks are worn in common areas by parents, staff and service providers
    • Children participate in thorough hand-washing procedures throughout the day, including when they enter the classroom and before pick-up time
    • Toys are sanitized as needed throughout the day
    • Each classroom is cleaned daily by a professional cleaning service

  • Why is early childhood education important?

    A child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. Access to early childhood education significantly reduces students’ chances of being placed in special education or held back in school and increases their prospects of graduating high school, according to new research published by the American Educational Research Association.

  • If I pre-register, does that mean I have a spot?

    By pre-registering, families will be offered preferred status once regular registration opens. There will be a two-week window to take advantage of this preferential registration.

  • Does the West Lakes Early Learning Center provide scholarship opportunities?

    Tuition assistance will be provided to families in need. The amount of assistance a family receives is based on several factors, including:

    • Adjusted gross family income, confirmed via a federal tax return
    • Family size, including birth certificates
    • Other subsidies the family may be eligible to receive

  • Will the West Lakes Early Learning Center be open to families of all incomes?

    Yes, our facility welcomes children from families of all income statuses.

  • Does the West Lakes Early Learning Center participate in Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C) services?

    Yes, the center will participate in 4C services.

  • Will you offer a Florida VPK Program?

    Yes, we will offer Florida VPK programs.

  • Are meals free? Does the center accommodate special diets?

    Each child will be provided breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Special diets will be accommodated.

  • What are the hours of operation?

    The center hours of operation are 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.

  • Will I receive daily updates and reports on my child’s progress and activities at West Lakes Early Learning Center?

    Yes, the center provides the highest quality of parent communication through email notifications. Families will be connected with daily reports, pictures, weekly lesson plans, daily activities, notes from teachers and more.

  • What services will children have access to at West Lakes Early Learning Center?

    The center will offer comprehensive services, including on-site health screenings to ensure kids are meeting their developmental milestones, health-and-wellness programs, social support and early literacy outreach in the community.

  • Are there any additional fees outside of tuition?

    All fees will be explained up-front during the registration process. There may be additional fees, such as registration.

  • What do I need to bring with me to register?

    To register, you will need to bring:

    • Proof of income in the form of your most recent tax return
    • Picture ID
    • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease, letter from the landlord where you reside)
    • Proof of legal guardianship (Legal documents regarding custody, etc. if applicable)
    • Birth certificate
    • State of Florida School Entry Health Exam form
    • Florida Certification of Immunization Form
    • $50 nonrefundable registration fee per child
    • We accept cash, credit, cashier’s check, money order or personal check made out to AHFC – West Lakes ELC

West Lakes Early Learning Center