Expanding Early Childhood Education Options Bring Changes

Lincoln Academy to close in December

Catholic Social Services established Lincoln Academy (formerly known as the Miami Valley Family Care Center) in 1979 to provide high-quality, affordable day care and early education to working families in the Dayton community. For many years, there was a notable lack of comparable early childhood education centers in Dayton, and particularly in the west Dayton area served by Lincoln Academy.

Today, we CSSMV has witnessed the emergence of more than 44 early learning centers in the City of Dayton. However, with the emergence of so many high-quality options – particularly in the past five years – Lincoln Academy has experienced steadily declining enrollment. The exceptional staff has made every attempt to reverse this trend, but there simply is no longer a significant enough demand for the agency to continue providing this service. “It is with mixed sadness and optimism that we announce the decision to close Lincoln Academy, effective December 20, 2019,” said agency CEO Laura Roesch.

The fact that the community has stepped up to ensure that all children have access to quality options for early childhood education means that Catholic Social Services can now turn its attention and resources toward addressing the needs of other underserved populations in the region. “We appreciate the leadership of the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, and Preschool Promise in helping to ensure a bright educational future for our community’s youngest citizens,” said Roesch.

“We also extend our deepest appreciation to the amazing, committed staff of Lincoln Academy, who have provided guidance, enrichment and support to thousands of children over the years,” Roesch said. “The true legacy of Lincoln Academy will be in the continuing successes of its students.”