Greene County Early Learning Center

The Greene County Early Learning Center (GCELC) is a non-profit childcare center that has been serving the families of Greene County for 15 years.  Our mission is to provide quality care in a learning environment. GCELC is a star 4 on the Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS). QRS is a voluntary childcare rating system for Iowa DHS-licensed centers and preschools used to increase quality across the state.

Families that currently utilize GCELC live in and/or work in Greene County; with 53% living outside the city limits of Jefferson and are from all socioeconomic levels and ethnicities. 

The GCELC Board of Directors is comprised of 9 individuals who provide governance to the facility. The Executive Director is responsible to manage the day to day operations. A strong checks and balances system is in place to ensure major expenditures are approved and appropriate financial oversight is provided by the board. 

The GCELC has dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring employees. While most childcare centers struggle with employee retention, 40% of the original GCELC employees have continued to work at the center. GCELC provides childcare and an early education curriculum. Significant research confirms that a child’s early years provide a strong base for lifelong learning and skill development. Children with a healthy social-emotional foundation are more likely to complete high school, continue with higher education, and/or enter the workforce. High-quality early education provides the framework to build life skills.