The Early Learning Campus (ELC) is part of the Gladys and Lewis "Sonny" Bass Louisville Scholar House Campus and is an exemplary early child development center for children of UofL faculty, staff and students, and residents of the Louisville Scholar House. We serve all families and children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The facility is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offers full day curriculum for children aged six weeks to prekindergarten.
The ELC is located at the corner of 5th and Bloom Streets, (behind or just north of Betty Johnson Hall on UofL's Belknap Campus). Hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, close at 5 PM on 3rd Thursdays.
The ELC Family Handbook is a detailed overview about the facility, its programs, application information and much more.
ELC 2024-25 Calendar
The dates for the week of closure in August are TENTATIVE and will be finalized after JCPS confirms the first day of school for the 2024-25 year.
Please see the virtual tours of our center by clicking on the button below. In-person tours are held on the second Tuesday (10:30 AM) and fourth Thursday (4:00 PM) of each month. You may choose the tour day that is most convenient for you. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (502) 852-3521.
Dr. Jill Jacobi-Vessels,
Executive Director of the ELC
University of Louisville
Early Learning Campus
409 Reg Smith Circle
Louisville, KY 40208
ELC Main Office:
502-852-3521
FAX: 502-852-4391
Parent Quote about ELC
"We consider ELC a life-changer for our family. It is a daily challenge to balance a professional career and a family's well-being. No matter how organized and energetic the parent(s), there are always obstacles for which you find yourself unprepared. Being able to leave your child(ren) in capable, caring hands is a necessity. At the Early Learning Campus, I have no doubt about the care provided for my children, and in fact, I leave them confidently, knowing they have a day of learning, fun, kindness, and healthful meals ahead of them. We know that not every childcare facility offers such a positive environment, and our whole family is grateful for the quality of life offered by the ELC."
Sarah Lindgren
List of all program costs.
Waiting List/Enrollment FormsThe ELC primarily serves the families of faculty, staff, or students at the University of Louisville and RESIDENTS of Family Scholar House. While other families may apply, including UofL Health families, spaces will first be offered to UofL and Family Scholar House families. After those priority groups are served, we will offer remaining spaces to other applicants.
It is not possible to predict when an opening may be available, as we tend to remain fully enrolled. If a family moves away during the year, we will use the waiting list to fill the vacancy. Multiple openings across the center usually become available in mid-August when our older children leave us for kindergarten and the younger children move up to an older classroom.
The ELC is a partnership between the University of Louisville and Family Scholar House (FSH). FSH owns a predetermined number of enrollment spaces. If they have not used all of their spaces, new FSH residents receive placement priority. A priority is also given to siblings of children already enrolled as the family already relies on the ELC for care.
When an opening becomes available, we will send you an email using the address given on the waiting list application. You will have 48 hours to respond. If you choose to decline the offer, you will remain on the waiting list. If we do not receive a response within 48 hours, we will offer the opening to the next child on the waiting list. Please carefully consider any placement offer as it may take an extended time before we can make another offer. If you need to update your information, please contact our front desk at 852-3521.
Contact Paige Shank at paige.shank@louisville.edu or 502-852-3521 with questions about the waitlist.
To apply, mail or drop off the application and application fee to:
University of LouisvilleChecks should be made payable to University of Louisville with ELC and your child's name written on the memo line.
The Early Learning Campus is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
For information on program accreditation click here.
