For more than a century, thousands of parents have trusted The Salvation Army Children's Learning Center to provide their children with a quality education. With roots dating back to 1917, today the Children's Learning Center (CLC) is a licensed facility serving children from infancy to age 12. Children take part in educational, recreational, and creative activities. At The Salvation Army, we recognize that child care is an enormous obstacle for many of the hardworking families who come to us. That's why our highly-trained staff are committed to providing Boston's working families with an affordable and nurturing environment where their children can thrive and grow.
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Who We Are
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Ways to Give
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Major Gifts
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Major Gifts
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The LGBTQ Community and The Salvation Army
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Featured Locations & Programs
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Bridging the Gap
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Adult Rehabilitation Centers
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Camp and Summer Programs
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Children's Learning Center
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Emergency Disaster Services
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Pathway of Hope
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Support Veterans
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Wonderland Conference Center
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Bridging the Gap
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Boston Holiday Help
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Toy for Joy
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Volunteer
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Careers
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Contact Us
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- Events
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Annual Luncheon 2022
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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Helping Young Minds Thrive
- Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.After School:
Monday - Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.School Vacation/ Summer:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Meals: Nutritious breakfast, lunch, snack at no extra cost
- Transportation: Offered for children
- Subsidized Tuition Plans: Vouchers, EEC contracted slots
"As a single mother and nurse, I had to work during the pandemic. Thanks to the CLC staff, my children had a loving, safe place where they could learn and grow." - parent
Where to find us!
26 Wales Street, Dorchester, MA
(617) 436-2480
ENROLLING NOW
Contact us today to learn more about the Children's Learning Center and schedule your tour. Our trained Salvation Army staff are committed to providing a developmentally appropriate environment where your child can grow. From play-based skills to creative activities, we help youth reach their full potential as they explore their creativity and master new academic and life skills. Licensed by the Department of Early Education, our modern facility conveniently includes a private parking lot for drop-off/pick-up, convenience to public transportation, and newly updated outdoor play spaces.
We work to meet every individual's needs by offering tuition scholarships and accepting vouchers.
Infant and Toddler Program
(3 months to 2.9 years)
Quality child care feeds a baby's brain, building a foundation that will allow them to thrive. Our Children's Learning Center staff are committed to every young child's growth and development by providing one-on-one time. Our program keeps ratios low. It is based on the philosophy that children should grow and develop at their own pace. We help raise children to be confident, aware, focused, cooperative, and resourceful.
Pre-School
Program
(2.9 to 5 years)
The Children's Learning Center preschool offers children aged 2.9 to 5 years a structured environment, promoting kindergarten readiness. Our EEC certified teachers guide activities for children from the Dorchester area and surrounding Boston neighborhoods through fun, hands-on activities that develop social, motor, and academic skills.
After School and Summer Program
(5 to 12 years)
The Children's Learning Center After School/Summer Enrichment Program is committed to serving youth in an environment responsive to social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Our trained after school program staff provide literacy programs, arts and crafts, and homework help
We believe that children do their most important learning before the age of five. They learn best through child-centered and child-directed activities, as well as through play and exploration of materials. Teachers facilitate learning by providing materials, guidance, and support for each child to learn at his or her own pace and by designing curriculum-based activities to enhance learning. We help raise children to be confident, aware, focused, cooperative and resourceful. This philosophy is firmly based on respect and individuality.
The Salvation Army Children’s Learning Center is committed to providing a high-quality early care and education program for children aged three months to twelve years. Our goal is to encourage the emotional, mental, and physical development of the children we serve through a combination of age-appropriate activities, play-based curriculum, and positive interactions with caring adults.
We are committed to working with our children and their families to meet the individual needs of each child. We know that each child learns and develops at their own pace, and we strive to give each child the tools they need to be successful in their own way.
The Salvation Army Children’s Learning Center admits families of every race, color, cultural heritage, and national origin, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, or any other status protected by state or federal law.
Investing in the Future of Children
Helping Us to Help Others. The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization wholly funded by private and public donations. Your gift, of any amount, is needed to support our important community programs. Please take this opportunity to make a donation now to help children in Boston who are in need.