LYNN — LEO has officially opened its newly renovated Early Childhood Education Center, showcasing its expanded space and enhanced features to parents during Family Orientation Week.
The revamped facility now accommodates 270 children, providing a spacious, vibrant environment designed to foster both learning and play. Spanning three floors, the center includes 15 classrooms, a dedicated family resource space, an expanded kitchen and nutrition center, and various specialized play areas.
Lisa McFadden, Director of Development and Communications at LEO, expressed her excitement about the impact of the new space.
“The community has really rallied behind our efforts to make this a place where children can thrive,” McFadden said. “This center is about more than just classrooms; it’s about providing resources and services that help families break the cycle of poverty and build a better future.”
The renovation is part of LEO’s broader mission to improve the lives of over 10,000 individuals each year in the region. The newly designed building features themed classrooms, specialized play areas, and family-oriented spaces, all aimed at meeting the diverse needs of the families LEO serves.
CEO Birgitta S. Damon emphasized the facility’s focus on both physical space and the overall experience for families.
“The design and services we offer here are meant to elevate both the children and their families,” Damon said. “This renovation reflects our long-term commitment to the community.”
In addition to offering more space, the new facility improves accessibility for parents.
Damon highlighted the changes, stating, “One of the biggest changes is the parking and drop-off system. Parents can now pull up, drop off their child, and our staff takes it from there. It’s a real game-changer for families.”
The renovations reflect LEO’s ongoing commitment to high-quality early childhood education. In addition to modern classrooms, the building includes family-style breakfast and snack areas, fostering a nurturing, social environment for children and teachers. Classrooms are designed to accommodate specific learning and developmental needs, featuring cozy corners and activity spaces for arts, crafts, and science experiments.
The renovation project, which began in June 2023, was a collaborative effort between LEO’s staff and local architects. Creative design elements, such as custom-built bookshelves integrated into structural bracing and classrooms decorated with themes like farms, trains, and bodegas.
Kadijah Idy, a parent with a child enrolled at LEO, praised the larger classrooms and new playgrounds.
“This is a huge step forward. The classrooms are brighter, the spaces are bigger, and the playgrounds will really help my son feel more at home here and interact,” she said. Idy also appreciated the continuity of care offered by the facility, which allows her child to remain in one location for their entire early education journey. “It’s just so much easier now to have everything in one place,” she added.
Ingrid B., an employee and parent at LEO, shared her perspective on the newly renovated space.
“I started as a parent, and now that I work here, I see firsthand how much LEO invests in the growth of both the children and their families. The new facility gives us a place where we can better support each child’s development and ensure they’re prepared for their educational journey,” Ingrid explained.
“It’s been an incredible experience, both as a parent and an employee, to witness the positive impact this space is having on our community.”
The renovation was funded through federal and state grants, as well as donations from the community. Despite concerns over potential budget cuts in federal funding, LEO remains optimistic about the future.
Last fall, LEO secured a Head Start expansion grant for the first time in 15 years, a significant milestone that will help the organization continue to expand its capacity to meet community needs. “We’re remaining optimistic until there’s a reason not to be,” McFadden said.
As LEO’s services grow, so does the support from the community. McFadden highlighted the organization’s commitment to social justice, saying, “We’ve always been deeply committed to social justice, and working here has allowed me to make a real difference in the lives of families trying to rise out of poverty. This new space is just one part of a larger mission to level the playing field for all people to succeed.”
The facility also includes essential services for the entire family. Each floor houses administrative offices, family resource areas, and support services, such as child therapists and family case managers, to ensure that both children and parents have access to necessary resources. An outdoor playground, which is expected to be completed by April, will provide an additional space for children to explore and develop physically.
With the newly renovated facility, LEO is poised to continue its critical work in early childhood education, ensuring that children have the resources they need to grow, learn, and succeed while providing a supportive environment for families to thrive.
