Wayman Early Learning Academy (WELA)-Westside and WELA-Northside are child development facilities that are fully licensed for 128 children. We provide developmentally appropriate activities to children ranging from infancy to school age and require all staff to meet the necessary credentials in the field of early childhood education. Our premiere early learning facilities focus on the betterment, well-being, and educational learning of early youth ages 6 weeks to 9 years.
WELA-Westside and Northside participate in the School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs funded by the Early Learning Coalition of Duval. The School Readiness program offers qualified parents financial assistance for child care through a variety of services. The VPK program is available for children four years of age interested in beginning Pre- Kindergarten. WELA was approved in July of 2012 to become providers of Duval County Public School’s Teen Parent program. Both locations are operating as Teen Parent providers.
WELA has been sought out to participate in state and national initiatives and has been recognized for their accomplishments. In October 15, 2007, the center, Westside, was featured in a USA Today article for their outstanding accomplishments in the area of early literacy in the City of Jacksonville. WELA also received 3 out of 5 stars with Guiding Stars of Duval; participating in the self-study for National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] Accreditation.
Wayman Early Learning Academy – Northside is our newest addition to the WCDC early learning services. In partnership with Jacksonville Job Corps, the Northside center is located on the Jax Job Corps site and is formerly known as Jax Job Corps Child Development Center. Both locations of WELA are solely geared towards the advancement of Early Childhood learning as well the betterment of our children.
