Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center Inc

Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center Inc is a non-profit organization located in Lexington, Virginia. The center provides early childhood education and childcare services to children from six weeks to six years old. It operates year-round, offering programs designed to be developmentally appropriate for different age groups, including infants, toddlers, two-year-olds, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarteners.

Mission and Values

The organization is guided by values of social diversity, personal responsibility, and developmentally appropriate education. It aims to create an environment that supports both personal growth and community engagement. Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center Inc seeks to lay a foundational educational and social base for its students, helping each child reach their potential in a nurturing setting. The center also offers need-based scholarships, reflecting its commitment to serving children from diverse backgrounds.

Operations

The center is fully licensed to accommodate up to 90 children and employs 17 trained educators. It provides two home-cooked meals daily to its students. Financially, the organization relies on tuition fees, subsidies from the Virginia Department of Social Services, and local fundraising efforts.

Governance and Financial Health

Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center Inc is recognized for its strong governance practices, with a fully independent board and adherence to ethical policies such as conflict of interest and whistleblower policies. The organization has a high program expense ratio, dedicating a significant portion of its resources to educational programs. It has been awarded a Three-Star rating by Charity Navigator based on accountability and financial metrics.

Community Impact

The center has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, who appreciate the supportive environment and the close relationships their children develop with educators. This positive community and parental satisfaction highlight the center's effectiveness in meeting family needs.

Legitimacy

Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center Inc is a legitimate 501(c)(3) organization, with tax-deductible donations. It files annual Form 990 reports with the IRS, demonstrating transparency in its financial activities. The organization's leadership is headed by Julee Messerich, who serves as President and Director.