Voice Community Economic Development
PHL PreK
Enroll in a PHLpreK — or any free, publicly funded high-quality preschool program for the 2025-26 school year. Please click here for more information about the PHL PreK process.
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Elevate their Learning & Growth
How to Enroll!
Four simple steps for your child to start learning!
Step 1
Pre-Enrollment
Gather all required documentation for your child(ren).
Step 2
Application
Complete the application(s) for the Champion Learning Center and/or the PHLprek Program.
Step 3
Application Check
Review your application to make sure you have all state required documentation:
- Application is dated and signed
- Proof of Child's age
- Proof of Residency
Step 4
Approval
One of our staff members will reach out within 48 hours for final review prior to submission.
PhillyPre-K Supported
The PHL preK program is Philadelphia’s expansive and free, high-quality preschool initiative for children aged 3–4 who live in Philadelphia. Funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, first passed in 2016 and implemented in early 2017, PHL preK has no income or employment requirements for children to qualify.
Enroll in a PHLpreK — or any free, publicly funded high-quality preschool program for the upcoming school year. All children who are 3 or 4 by September 1st of the upcoming school year and reside in Philadelphia County are eligible.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every child is born with his or her own uniqueness and is well deserving of a motivating, protective and caring atmosphere. The individualized attention provided for each child during their developmental years will prove to be nurturing emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. This developmental success is made possible through the professional guidance as well as through embracing the natural curiosity of the children during their learning experience.
Certification
The professional caregivers of our center must maintain their position as lifetime learning as well as meet the educational standards mandated by the state of Pennsylvania and the said certification affiliates. Along with meeting the educational requirements, Background checks (criminal, child abuse and FBI) are also performed prior to the start date of the potential employee.
Staff Qualifications
Our Care givers Aides and Teachers are hired in compliance with the state requirements and qualifications as a base minimum.
Keystone Stars Program
After successfully completing the requirements that secured quality services, Champion successfully attained star three level of the Keystone STARS Quality initiative program. Upon maintaining a Star three rating after one year; Champion Learning Center continued the journey towards success by meeting the requirements for Star 4 of which we continue to service our families daily.
About Irene A. Oakley Champion Learning Center
Irene A. Oakley Champion Learning Center was previously known as B.M. Oakley Aide to Working Parents Day Care Center. The center was located at 1535 North Seventh Street, also identified as the North Philadelphia, Yorktown area, from 1973-2012. Families located in this area were confronted with severe challenges that gave rise to crime, poverty, high unemployment and educational dares that questioned attainment. The effects of poverty for children in terms of educational opportunities were reflective and could not be ignored. The association between poverty, early parenthood and one’s environmental support system produced generational cycles that deprived children from attaining academic success through quality education.
Our Curriculum Statement
Innovative Methods, Proven Results
Through the daily use of Creative Curriculum 6th edition our childcare professionals are able to provide a learning experience that is individualized, creative and attainable. The focus of Creative Curriculum Learning highlights the following content areas: methods to learning, social and emotional development, physical development and health, language, literacy, and communication, mathematics, creative arts, science and technology and social studies. These areas of concentration are based on the dimensions of school readiness identified by the National Education Goals Panel. Creative Curriculum allows the learning development to move beyond traditional academic subjects through applying strategies that promote independence, curiosity, decision making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem solving in young children.
Our Director and Teachers
Alice Martin
Executive Director
Chontay Ervin
Director
Champion Learning Center Teachers
Infant Teachers - 5 years
Hear It From Our Parents
I enrolled my son at Champion Learning Center when he was just 15 months old. Before making my decision, I interviewed about five different childcare programs. My process of elimination began with the very first phone call to each center. From the start, Champion stood out, our initial phone conversation was not only pleasant but also genuinely inviting.
When I visited the center in person, my decision was confirmed. I was immediately struck by how every teacher greeted each child in the hallway by name, giving individual attention and warmth to every one of them. That level of care and connection truly made an impression and gave me confidence that this was the right place for my child.
Ms. Gray
As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing—my child—to the staff at Champion Learning Center every day, and I am truly grateful for the loving care and thoughtful guidance he receives. From the director to every teacher, the team sees each child as a unique individual, recognizing their strengths while supporting their needs.
My son has been blessed with incredible teachers who understand his specific challenges and approach him with patience, empathy, and grace. He has learned so much during his time at Champion Learning Center and is always excited to tell me about the fun, engaging activities he experiences each day at "school."
Thank you to the entire Champion organization for providing such an enriching early childhood curriculum one that nurtures, educates, and inspires throughout every part of the day. A very special thanks to Ms. Martin and her dedicated team; their amazing works of heart makes a lasting impact on every child they care for.
Ms. James
Champion Learning Center has been a good learning space for my child. He is learning new things and positive behaviors. I trust that he is safe and cared for while he is there. Also, he has gained a lot of great social skills and friendships with peers at the center.
Aminah Winn
CLC is more than just a school for young children, it's a true community for the entire family. After having experience with two other preschools before finding CLC, I can now clearly see what we were missing.
What sets CLC apart is the staff’s deep dedication to truly knowing each child as an individual. They use this understanding to thoughtfully shape each child's development. My children have been given the chance to learn, grow, and explore in ways they never could have elsewhere.
But CLC isn’t just enriching for my kids, it's been transformative for me as a parent as well. The school offers informative parent shops that have helped me grow and reflect in meaningful ways. I also appreciate the opportunity to be actively involved in the school community, getting to know my children’s classmates and building relationships with fellow parents.
CLC has truly become an extension of our family, and I’m so grateful for the impact it continues to have on all of us.
Happy PreK Parent!
