Embedded Files
ELCCO Preschool is now open at Crook County High School! Enroll Today. ERDC Accepted
Hi! We’re ELCCO
Hi! We’re ELCCO
Early Learning Centers of Central Oregon (ELCCO) was born from a simple truth: working families across the country are struggling to find safe, dependable care for their children. The gap between the cost of running a high-quality center and what families can afford is wide—and growing.
We created ELCCO to help bridge that gap. Our model taps into the unique strengths of local employers, transforming small spaces within businesses into vibrant micro-centers where children can learn, play, and thrive. By combining employer partnerships with creative funding streams, we’re able to lower costs while maintaining the high standards families deserve.
ELCCO acts as the central hub for this growing network of workplace-based centers. With just a modest investment of space, employers can offer their teams something truly meaningful: peace of mind. The result? Stronger recruitment, better retention, and improved attendance. Because when you invest in the well-being of your staff, the return is felt in every corner of your organization—and every smile in our classrooms.
About Me
About Me
Meet Katie Ellis, Founder of ELCCO
Meet Katie Ellis, Founder of ELCCO
Hi! I’m Katie Ellis, the creator of Early Learning Centers of Central Oregon (ELCCO). With multiple degrees in education and over a decade of hands-on experience in early childhood development, I’ve worn many hats—teacher, advocate, multi-site coordinator, and Head Start leader. Each role has deepened my commitment to creating nurturing, high-quality care environments for young children.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed a troubling gap: skilled, hardworking families who earn too much to qualify for assistance, yet still struggle to afford dependable child care. These families deserve better. That’s why, in partnership with NeighborImpact Child Care Resources, I’ve developed a replicable model of micro-centers that can be embedded within local businesses—bringing care directly to the workplace and creating a much-needed oasis in Central Oregon’s child care desert.
At ELCCO, we believe children thrive when they’re empowered to explore their world with confidence. Our project-based learning approach encourages curiosity, deep thinking, and meaningful engagement. The skills children build through investigation—problem-solving, collaboration, and communication—are the same ones they’ll carry into school and society as capable, compassionate learners.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse