History and Philosophy
Coleman Center for Early Learning and Family Enrichment (Coleman Center) was established in 2019 by Â鶹ÍøÕ¾Áбí's College of Education and College of Health and Human Services. Both colleges have a long-standing history of concern, commitment, and involvement in programs for young children and their families. This commitment is exemplified through the university's mission of educating the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act. This mission is accomplished through teaching, research and outreach. Teacher candidates and other students who are training in related fields observe and study the developmental characteristics of young children while gaining invaluable clinical experiences and an in- depth perspective of the early childhood industry as a career in education, health, or human services.
Campus Map
Conveniently located on the pristine campus of Â鶹ÍøÕ¾Áбí, Dothan.
Facility
Coleman Center provides a state-of-the art facility children and families in the Wiregrass.
- Gross motor indoor room
- Preschool playground
- Exam rooms which allow privacy for children receiving on-site speech, occupational, physical therapy, etc.
- Extra-large preschool classrooms equipped with developmentally appropriate resources and educational technology
- Kitchen
- Laboratory/Research classroom featuring technology to enhance the learning process for faculty, teacher candidates, teachers and children
Our gross motor room provides lots of indoor fun.
Our exam rooms provide privacy for breastfeeding mothers, therapy, and health exams.
Security/Safety
- Facility is locked 24/7 with an electronic entry system
- Security and educational cameras inside and outside the facility
- Campus security 24/7
- Intruder, fire, severe weather drills routinely performed
- ICC-500 Shelter – provides safety for winds up to 250 mph
Director
Hilary Ellis
Education
- B.S. in Elementary Education, Auburn University
- MS in Early Childhood Education, Piedmont College
- MS in Instructional Leadership, Auburn University in Montgomery
- EDS in Curriculum & Instruction, Piedmont College
- National Board Certification - Literacy
Personal/Hobbies
Mrs. Hilary Ellis is married to Lee Ellis and has one child; Hudson. She has more than 23 years in public education. She enjoys spending time with family and traveling when she is not shaping little minds.
Teachers and Staff
Coleman Center employs administrative and support services staff in addition to teachers and auxiliary teachers. Teachers have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Auxiliary teachers have an associate's degree or a Child Development Associate (CDA). All staff participate in professional education and are committed to providing the best in early childhood practice.
All staff must receive the following clearances:
- State Registry on Child Abuse and Neglect
- Alabama Bureau of Investigation/Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Sex Offender Status
- Health Screening
Donell Young
Education
- B.S., Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Mississippi University for Women
Personal/Hobbies
Ms. Young was born and raised in Moss Point, MS. She has resided in Dothan with her son and daughter since 1997. They attend Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan. Ms. Young enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, and watching Alabama football.