The Penn State Behrend Early Learning Center opened in the fall of 1993 in an effort to proved high quality child care services to Penn State Behrend students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Erie community.  The center relocated to a brand new facility in Knowledge Park in the fall of 2001.

The center is open year-around from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the exception of major holidays, two staff training days, and a winter break in December.

In order to insure the highest quality of care, staff is scheduled to maintain staff-to-child ratios that are lower than mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This allows for smaller group sizes and more individualized care. 

Each pod is supervised by a Group Supervisor with a degree.  Assistant Group supervisors have various combinations of training and experience.

Student aides are trained in all aspects of child care and are scheduled to help at peak times.