A New Chapter for Early Learning in Clark County
On August 26, 2025, EOCF proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Margaret Selway Early Learning Center with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber. Families, community partners, and local leaders gathered to mark this exciting milestone for young scholars and families in Clark County.
A Journey to This Moment
Margaret Selway Early Learning Center during renovations
This project began in 2021, when EOCF purchased the property from a former childcare center that closed during COVID. For four years, staff, families, and young scholars operated out of modular classrooms behind Evergreen High School as a temporary solution while the site was renovated. Now, the center stands as a permanent home for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in year-round, Full Day Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Margaret Selway Early Learning Center at the grand opening after renovations
Honoring Margaret Selway’s Legacy
Margaret Selway
The center is named after Margaret Selway, a long-time EOCF teacher who dedicated nearly 40 years to early childhood education. From her start as a Head Start cook and mother of four, to mentoring teachers and shaping children’s literacy programs across Vancouver, Margaret inspired generations. As one colleague shared, “She is a champion for early literacy and has dedicated her life to working with children.”
Meeting a Critical Community Need
Young scholars learning at the newly opened Margaret Selway Early Learning Center
The Image neighborhood, where the center is located, is considered an early learning desert with high rates of poverty and homelessness. Only 17.2% of local children demonstrate kindergarten readiness, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This center addresses that need by offering multilingual support and classrooms designed with children’s needs in mind. Features include sensory-friendly colors and lighting, magnetic and dry-erase walls, and one of EOCF’s first sensory-specific areas created with community support.
Looking Ahead
Rendering for the future playground at the Margaret Selway Early Learning Center
While the classrooms are now open, the work continues. EOCF is raising funds for a future playground designed to be accessible for children of all abilities, ensuring every child can fully participate and explore. The center also serves exceptional children with high-needs health conditions, supported by highly trained staff, including a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Enrollment Now Open!
EOCF is currently enrolling young scholars ages birth to 5 in programs across Clark County, Woodland, and Long Beach. Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to apply early.
Thank You to Our Community
We are deeply grateful to the Greater Vancouver Chamber, our partners, and our dedicated staff whose vision and hard work brought this project to life. Together, we are building brighter futures for young scholars and families in Southwest Washington.
