Campbell Early Childhood Center serves preschool age children in the Springfield Public School’s Wonder Years Early Childhood Department. 

We are a close-knit community dedicated to the safety, belonging, and development of our students. We believe that connections and relationships are the foundation of our work. It is our goal that ALL feel welcome and valued at Campbell.

Mission: Our purpose is to inspire the whole child to be lifelong learners using play-based and differentiated opportunities in an inclusive environment.

 
Vision: Providing high-quality childhood experiences to educate the whole child, helping them achieve their highest potential.

Commitments:

• We commit to continuous reflection and improvement, consistently seeking ways to enhance the quality of the early childhood experiences we offer.

• We commit to creating a safe and stimulating learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and curiosity.

• We commit to fostering strong partnerships with families, recognizing that their involvement is essential in a child's holistic development.

• We commit to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that values each child's unique abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.

• We commit to promoting a love for learning and a growth mindset that empowers children to embrace challenges and persevere in their educational journey.
   

Our team thrives in our environment by adhering to a set of Cultural Commitments. 

High-Quality Early Childhood Educators who are

Encouragers: Everyone’s #1 job is to help others succeed. 

Allied: Communicate “You Matter”

Responsible: See the problem, own the problem. 

Trust Worthy: Honor the Absent.

CAMPBELL SCHOOL 

1884: Originally known as "Fourth Ward" at Grant Ave and Mt. Vernon. It was originally built at a cost of $9100. The original brick building housed four rooms. [source 1]

1890: An addition of 4 rooms heated by wood stoves was added at the cost of $6,632. [source 1] [source 2] 

1892: School catches fire from a bad flue. When the fire department reached the building, the flames had been almost extinguished by parties who formed a bucket brigade. [source 3] 

1929: Students write essays to voters declaring the need to replace their old school building claiming it to be a "fire trap". [source 4]

1930: The new 28,217 sq. ft. school building was designed by architect William B. Ittner and completed at a total cost of $173,681. The new building boasted 11 classrooms and a multi-purpose room. [source 5]

1931: The building was dedicated on the 26th of January, 1931. The building opened for the second-semester term of the same year. School board president, Barbour, spoke and declared "This is your building. It will be here long after all of us here tonight shall be gone. It will continue to build up character, and cultivate citizenship, and will achieve a work far outvaluing the dollars and cents that have been spent in its construction."  [source 2]

1931: Shortly after students helped move into the new building, the old building was razed. [source 6] [source 7]

1988: Addition of a Learning Resource Center and 1 classroom which added an additional 4,951 sq.ft. 

2017-2018: Campbell Elementary hosted its last year of students as a PK-5th grade elementary school. 

2018-2019: The building was repurposed as an Early Childhood Center with a capacity to serve 200 early childhood students. 

NEXT