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Submitted by East Savannah United
Nov. 8, 2026 – East Savannah United will celebrate the grand opening of its new Early Childhood Learning Center on Thursday, Dec. 3, marking a milestone in the organization’s efforts to expand educational opportunities and strengthen families in east Savannah.
The celebration comes exactly two years after the center’s groundbreaking on Dec. 3, 2024, following years of planning, partnerships and investment.
The grand opening will take place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at 1101 E. Perry Lane, with a formal program beginning at 4 p.m. Remarks from civic and community leaders will be followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:45 p.m. A community reception and open house will follow, featuring guided tours of the facility and light refreshments.
The event is free and open to the public. East Savannah United encourages neighborhood residents, families interested in early childhood education and community partners to attend.
Funded through city of Savannah and Chatham County special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) investments, the approximately 20,000-square-foot facility includes 11 classrooms designed to serve at least 144 children ages 6 weeks to 4 years. The building also incorporates features intended to improve community resilience and neighborhood preparedness.
The center is part of East Savannah United’s broader effort to establish a continuum of educational opportunities from early childhood through career development, with an emphasis on 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 and 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 oversee the center in partnership with 3E Collective, the contracted early childhood education operator responsible for daily operations and programming.
Located near Savannah’s Historic District, the center is intended to expand access to educational resources and family services as part of East Savannah United’s broader neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Families and neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend the open house to tour classrooms, meet the operating team and learn about available early learning opportunities.
Grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony
Date: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026
Location: East Savannah Early Learning Academy, 1101 E. Perry Lane, Savannah, GA 31401
Schedule:
- 3:30 p.m. — Grand opening celebration begins
- 4 p.m. — Formal program and remarks
- 4:45 p.m. — Ribbon-cutting ceremony
- After the ceremony until 6 p.m. — Community reception, guided tours and light refreshments
The event is free and open to the public.
About East Savannah United
East Savannah United works with residents and community partners to improve quality of life in Savannah’s eastern neighborhoods through investments in housing, education, community wellness and economic opportunities.
The organization is a member of the national Purpose Built Communities network and serves as the community quarterback for neighborhood revitalization efforts in east Savannah.