SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – City and county leaders gathered on Monday to sign a beam that will be a part of the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) targeting educational and economic health disparities in east Savannah.

City Manager Joseph Melder is enthusiastic. “We know that we're going to succeed when our children succeed. When they have safe places to come and learn and grow. This site, in just a few short months, is going to be a place of learning and growing.”

Once officials recognized the need for more early learning opportunities, funding was the next obstacle they faced.

The joint-initiative is funded by Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Seven and in fall of 2026, the new ECLC is set to welcome 144 students ages six weeks to four years old.

Officials hope to build thr

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