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City Schools of Decatur details ECLC instructional plan, timeline for principal posting and enrollment
Summary
District officials said the new Early Childhood Learning Center will open in 2027, function as a lab school for high‑school students in early childhood pathways, and include developmentally appropriate classrooms, indoor play space and observation rooms; the guaranteed maximum price and finance plan were approved Oct. 14.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Burton told the board the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is designed as a lab school combining birth‑through‑preK instruction with high‑school pathway opportunities. The center will feature developmentally appropriate classrooms, direct access to outdoor learning areas, an indoor multifunctional play space for inclement weather and observation rooms so high‑school students can take non‑intrusive notes and gain field experience.
Staff reported that the district completed initial planning sessions, finalized a guaranteed maximum price and finance plan approved by the board on Oct. 14, and will post the principal position and begin enrollment outreach early in 2026. Teacher professional capacity building and curriculum vetting are scheduled for the coming months; the district plans to align coursework for current birth–3 and pre‑K providers and high‑school pathway students to create continuity between College Heights, the Frasier Center and the new ECLC.
The board asked whether pre‑K slots at the new facility would guarantee matriculation from younger cohorts; staff said placement would be prioritized subject to space and that the district plans to ensure matriculation opportunities across its early learning sites. The design includes compliance with Georgia early childhood facility and fire codes.
