East Savannah United (ESU) is proud to announce the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of its new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) on Thursday, December 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening families in Eastern Savannah.

The celebration comes exactly two years after the center's groundbreaking on December 3, 2024, representing the culmination of years of planning, partnership, and investment in the neighborhood's youngest residents.

The grand opening celebration will take place from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, with the formal program beginning at 4:00 pm. Remarks from civic and community leaders will lead into the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:45 pm. A community reception and open house will follow, featuring guided tours of the new facility and light refreshments through 6:00 p.m.

The celebration is free and open to the public. ESU especially welcomes Eastern Savannah residents, families interested in early childhood education, and the many community partners whose collaboration has helped bring this vision to life.

Made possible through City of Savannah and Chatham County SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) investments, the approximately 20,000-square-foot facility features 11 classrooms designed to serve at least 144 children, ages six weeks through four years. The facility also incorporates community resilience features, reflecting a commitment to both educational access and neighborhood preparedness.

More than a new building, the ECLC represents the beginning of East Savannah United's cradle-to-career education continuum, establishing a foundation for early learning, school readiness, and long-term educational success.

"This is about so much more than opening a beautiful new building," said Derek Mallow, Executive Director/CEO of East Savannah United. "It's an investment in our children's futures, in working families, and in the long-term strength of our community. High-quality early education gives children a stronger start while helping parents pursue employment and educational opportunities. We're enormously grateful for the public investment and community partnerships that have made this possible."

East Savannah United will provide organizational oversight of the center in partnership with 3E Collective, the contracted early childhood education operator responsible for daily operations and programming. Together, the organizations aim to create a nurturing, high-quality learning environment where young children can thrive and families feel supported.

Located at 1101 East Perry Lane, near Savannah's Historic District, the center serves as a meaningful investment in an area with deep historical roots. Its opening reflects ESU's broader commitment to ensuring that neighborhood revitalization is not only visible through new development, but experienced through increased access to resources, opportunity, and services that strengthen families.

Families and neighborhood residents are especially encouraged to attend the open house to explore classrooms, meet the operating team, learn about available early learning opportunities, and experience firsthand the investment being made in East Savannah's future.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, December 3, 2026

East Savannah Early Learning Academy

1101 East Perry Lane

Savannah, GA 31401

• 3:30 pm — Grand Opening Celebration Begins
• 4:00 pm — Formal Program & Remarks
• 4:45 pm — Official Ribbon Cutting
• Immediately Following–6:00 pm — Community Reception, Guided Tours & Light Refreshments