Start Early Breaks Ground on 38K SF Educare Facility in Zion

Start Early has broken ground on its new 38,000-square-foot Educare Lake County facility in Zion, an initiative designed to bolster local economic infrastructure by expanding early childhood education. Scheduled to open in 2027, the center will provide year-round, full-day programming for 174 children, offering bilingual instruction and family support services. The project is positioned as a strategic workforce development tool, aiming to increase labor force participation and strengthen the long-term talent pipeline in Lake County.

Beyond its immediate educational impact, the facility addresses critical gaps identified in Lake County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. By providing high-quality care, the project seeks to mitigate workforce challenges for local employers, including absenteeism and recruitment difficulties. The center represents a collaborative model involving philanthropic, nonprofit, and government partners working to enhance the region's overall economic competitiveness and quality of life.