In 2002, Betty Schoenbaum had an inspired idea. She wanted to create an ideal early childhood development center to serve young children, their families and the community.
“I’ve read about how birth through age four is the most important learning time in children’s lives,” she said at that time. Her concern focused on children at risk.
“Quality nurturing and stimulation help children be ready for school and become useful citizens of the world.”
Schoenbaum’s vision meshed with the college’s need for more space for its A. Sophie Rogers School for Early Learning, created in 1925 as a working nursery-school laboratory.
The child care courses begun then made Ohio State among the first academic institutions nationwide to offer education in the subject, along with research and college student engagement.
By 2000, the 30 enrolled children under age 5 had the school bursting at the seams in the lower level of Campbell Hall.
Take a look at what’s happened since as Schoenbaum’s dream came true: to change lives at the Schoenbaum Family Center (SFC) at Weinland Park.
2002
Betty Schoenbaum envisions an ideal center
As founding donor, she pledged $2.5 million to support the youngest, most vulnerable children and families in the underserved Weinland Park neighborhood.
2005
Breaking ground for the SFC
In May 2005, Betty lifted the first shovelful of earth to launch her namesake center next door to the Weinland Park Elementary School and park.
2006
Library named by JPMorgan Chase
The bank was prod to sponsor the SFC as part of the first public-private partnership to build an early childhood education center in an underserved neighborhood.
2007
Kitchen dedicated by industry consultants
Fourteen donors invited by alumna Georgie Shockey and industry consultant John Egnor donated equipment to outfit the SFC kitchen.
2007
Neighborhood celebrates grand opening
The entire Weinland Park community came to the festival to celebrate the center’s grand opening. Food and games were provided for everyone to enjoy.
2013
Crane family supports research-policy connection
The creation of the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy launched and official program of quality early childhood research to inform policymakers.
2015
SPARK and EHS ensure ready kids
A parent trainer for Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids visits 40 families monthly to prepare non-preschool-enrolled children for school. Early Head Start boosts learning for 160 kids yearly.
2017
Schoenbaum Family Center teaches college students best practices
Students conducted more than 1,100 observations of classrooms for Ohio State courses from the SFC’s Columbus Foundation Observation Gallery in 2016-17.
