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The Center for Early Education began as a play group for children in a single-family home in the Hancock Park section of Los Angeles in 1939.
The original founders of this group, most of whom were professional psychoanalysts, were passionate about respecting the inner world of the child. They sought to develop an early childhood education based on each child's natural developmental pace as well as on the recognized developmental stages through which each individual passes to maturity. At a time when preschool education was in its infancy, CEE's Founders pioneered a school dedicated to the needs of young children.
Explore The Center through the years
List of 15 items.
1939
The School for Nursery Years is Founded
The School for Nursery Years is founded by a group of parents, most of whom were professional psychoanalysts, as a playgroup in Hancock Park on Rossmore Blvd. It was one of the first schools to serve to young children in Los Angeles.
1946
Move to Alfred Street
The School for Nursery Years moves to its current Alfred Street location. A new building was constructed on a piece of property that was purchased for $10 from Eleanor Francis.
1947
Teacher Training Program Opens
The School for Nursery Years opens a teacher training program for nursery school teachers and administrators. The program would eventually be called The College for Developmental Studies.
1965
Head Start Pilot Program
The first Head Start program in the United States is held on campus during the summer of 1965.
1967
New Building Opens
A new brick building (Building A) opens on campus with The School for Nursery Years on the first floor and The College for Developmental Studies on the second floor.
1968
The Center for Early Education
The new building is dedicated, with The School for Nursery Years officially renamed The Center for Early Education.
1971
The Elementary School is Added
Elementary School grades are added to The Center as the academic program and student population expand.
1988
New Elementary School Building Opens
The Center's new Elementary School building (Building B) opens.
1989
Celebrating 50 Years
The Center celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Annual Fund Drive and Gala begin.
1991
The College Closes
The College for Developmental Studies closes after 44 years in operation.
2003
New Upper Elementary Building Opens
The new Upper Elementary building (Building C) opens. The campus expands to its present 1.3 acres.
2016
Campus Enhancement Plan Breaks Ground
The Campus Enhancement construction project breaks ground. Completed in Spring 2020, the Campus Enhancement Project includes two new instructional buildings with rooftop play areas, a full-size soccer field, new gym, and indoor-outdoor, smart classrooms.
2016
75 Years
CEE celebrates 75 years with a Grand Gala and "75 Acts of Service" throughout the year.
2018
La Cienega Building Opens
The new building on La Cienega opens in January, which includes the new gym, classrooms, board room and urban terrace, roof yard, and public art installation “Wake Up and Dream”.
2020
Campus Enhancement Complete
The Campus Enhancement Project, which broke ground in 2016, is completed. Two new school buildings, replacing Buildings A and B, connect to an existing building (Building C) to create a single 100,000 square foot school building, surrounding a new full-size playfield. The Toddler Center and field open. |