Wilshire’s Early Childhood Learning Center held a program on Thursday, May 15, to celebrate the end of the school year. The event took on added significance as it also marked the closure of ECLC after decades of operation.
The church announced last fall that ECLC would close due to financial challenges and a decline in enrollment.
At the program, Minister to Preschoolers Kelly Akins thanked the ECLC staff, with special recognition for four teachers who began with ECLC between 1997 and 1999: Maria Munoz, Flora Martinez, Consuelo Herrera and Rosa Vallejo.
“They have left a legacy that has impacted hundreds of parents and children, including almost all of the staff kids, both past and present,” Kelly said. Kelly hopes to employ some ECLC staffers for church childcare needs and noted that all teachers would receive a bonus.
Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples said in a statement, “On behalf of Wilshire, I am extremely grateful for ECLC and the role it has played in the lives of so many in our church and the wider community. ECLC families and staff members will remain in our prayers as this chapter comes to a close.”