For more than half a century, Early Childhood Alliance has provided programs and services to meet the early childhood education needs of children, first in Fort Wayne/Allen County, and today across northern Indiana.
1941
Westside Neighborhood Center formed in Fort Wayne.
1953
Incorporated and joined the Fort Wayne Community Chest (United Way of Allen County)
1957
Opened first child care center, located in public housing development for low income families.
1963
Became Neighbors, Inc., to reflect broader services for older adults and families with young children.
1969
Changed focus to child care
1971
Renamed Child Care of Allen County, with four child care centers receiving government funds for low income families to attend.
1988
Contracted with state social service (Title XX) to sponsor family day care.
Throughout
Added Parents as Teachers and expanded training opportunities for professionals.
1992
Became State Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Agency for six counties.
1997
Became Early Childhood Alliance to reflect wider range of services.
1998
Learning Centers achieved accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
2000
Paths to QUALITY, a quality rating and improvement system for early education programs, created by a local partnership including ECA, was launched in Allen County.
2003
Introduced Book Buddies early literacy program.
2005
ECA began growing childcare professionals by offering Child Development Associates (CDA) Credential training.
2008
Paths to QUALITYTM was adopted by the State of Indiana.
2012
Four counties added for a total of 10 counties across northern Indiana.
2014-15
Allen County is one of five Indiana counties chosen for a state-supported, pilot pre-k program, On My Way Pre-K; both of ECA’s Learning Centers participate, enrolling eligible 4-year-olds
2015
A bright new logo and website to match launch
2018
ECA Learning Centers become a site partner for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, providing access to free health care for children in need
2019
New Learning Center support positions are created to enhance family and teacher support: Director of Early Learning Services, Manager of Birth to Three Services, and Family Advocate.
2020
Through a partnership with Launchpad and Community Partners in Kosciusko County, ECA created a pop-up Learning Program for essential healthcare workers during the COVID pandemic.
2021
Shared Service Network is launched to support providers throughout the region in establishing and maintaining a sustainable business model.
2023
ECA refocuses to four main branches of service: Learning Programs, Shared Services, CDA, and CACFP (Food Program)
2023
IMD Early Learning Center opens in Warsaw, a 12-seat home program opened in partnership with Instrumental Machine & Development.
