The same location. Continued care. A new chapter.

We know families may have questions about the upcoming transition of the St. Martin Early Learning Center to ABC Day Care. Our priority is making this transition as smooth as possible for our children and families while maintaining continuity of care at 18th and State streets.

Below, we've answered some of the questions you may have about what comes next.

✓ The Early Learning Center is NOT closing
✓ Child care will remain at 18th & State
✓ There will be no interruption in care 
✓ Families will receive updates throughout the transition
  • What is happening to the St. Martin Early Learning Center?

    St. Martin Center is transitioning operation of the Early Learning Center to ABC Day Care, led by longtime Erie child-care provider Tiffany L. LaVette. ABC Day Care will continue providing child care at the current Early Learning Center location.

  • Is the Early Learning Center closing?

    No. The Early Learning Center is not closing. One of the primary goals of this transition is to preserve child care at 18th and State streets and provide continuity for the children and families who rely on the center.

  • Why is St. Martin Center making this change?

    St. Martin Center's leadership and Board have been thoughtfully reviewing the organization's mission, priorities and long-term goals. Transitioning the Early Learning Center to an experienced child-care provider allows child care to remain at its current location while St. Martin Center refocuses its resources on its core programs and services.

  • When will the transition take place?

    The transition process will begin September 1. St. Martin Center will continue operating the Early Learning Center during the transition period while ABC Day Care completes the necessary licensing and transition requirements. Families will be kept informed as the process moves forward.

  • Can my child continue attending the center?

    Yes. ABC Day Care will continue serving children at the current location. Families will receive information about any enrollment paperwork or other steps that may be required as operations transition to ABC Day Care.

  • Will my child's teachers and staff remain?

    Yes. ABC Day Care plans to retain all current ELC staff as part of the transition, unless an employee chooses not to continue with ABC Day Care. Maintaining familiar staff is an important part of providing continuity for our children and families.

  • Will my child's classroom, schedule or daily routine change?

    For now, families should continue following their current schedules and routines. If ABC Day Care makes future changes to classrooms, schedules, programming or procedures, those changes will be communicated directly to families.

  • What happens to tuition, ELRC assistance and Pre-K Counts?

    Families should continue following current payment and program procedures during the transition. ABC Day Care will provide families with information about future tuition, ELRC paperwork, Pre-K Counts or other program-related requirements as needed. We will communicate any required action before a change takes effect.

  • Do I need to do anything right now?

    No immediate action is required unless you are contacted directly. Please continue bringing your child to the Early Learning Center as usual. Families will receive clear instructions if new enrollment forms, authorizations or other paperwork are needed.

  • Who should I contact if I have questions?

    Families may continue contacting the Early Learning Center with questions during the transition. St. Martin Center and ABC Day Care will continue sharing updates, and families will have an opportunity to learn more about ABC Day Care and ask additional questions as the transition moves forward.

Our priority is a smooth transition for our children, families and staff. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we move into this next chapter.

 

Additional Information

For more information about the transition, please read our official announcement regarding the St. Martin Early Learning Center and ABC Day Care.