Vallejo Community Celebrates Opening of New Early Education Center

Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center transforms shuttered school into vibrant hub for childcare and family services.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:38pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a colorful playground structure, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the energy and creativity of the new early learning center.The vibrant new playgrounds at the Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center will inspire creativity and joy for young learners.Vallejo Today

After five years of planning and development, the new Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center has opened its doors in Vallejo, California. The center, owned and operated by Child Start, Inc., features 18 classrooms serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, creating over 200 new childcare spaces to address the region's critical shortage. The thoughtfully redesigned campus includes modern classrooms, age-specific playgrounds, and vibrant murals, all designed to inspire curiosity and foster creativity for young learners.

Why it matters

The opening of the Rise Vallejo center represents a major community investment in early childhood education and family support services. By transforming a shuttered school into a thriving hub for childcare and wraparound resources, local leaders are working to improve school readiness, strengthen families, and create economic opportunities for parents in the Vallejo area.

The details

The $2.8 million project was led by First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission, which purchased the former Beverly Hills Elementary School site from the Vallejo School District in 2024. Child Start, Inc. was then selected to own and operate the new early learning center for at least 25 years. The redesigned campus features 15 classrooms serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as nine age-specific playgrounds and vibrant murals created by local artist Izzy Drumgoole.

  • The site was purchased by First 5 Solano in 2024 from the Vallejo School District.
  • The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Michele Harris

Executive Director of First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission.

Juan Cisneros

Executive Director of Child Start, Inc., the organization that owns and operates the new early learning center.

Lisette Estrella-Henderson

Chairperson of First 5 Solano.

Erin Hannigan-Andrews

Former Solano County Supervisor (District 1) and First 5 Solano Commissioner.

Lori Wilson

California State Assemblywoman.

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What they’re saying

“This center represents what's possible when a community unites around its children. At every stage, we grounded our work in a simple truth: this is for our children. Increasing access to high-quality early learning strengthens families today and improves outcomes for generations to come.”

— Juan Cisneros, Executive Director of Child Start, Inc.

“This shows a vision, courage, and community coming together. We're not just opening the doors to a building today. We're opening an opportunity to build a brighter future for children.”

— Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Chairperson of First 5 Solano

“This is economic development in action. By removing barriers to work and education, supporting childcare providers, and investing in our youngest children, we are strengthening our entire community.”

— Erin Hannigan-Andrews, Former Solano County Supervisor (District 1) and First 5 Solano Commissioner

“We see today the manifestation of 'what if.' Also, this is what happens when you stay in the lane of 'yes.' This is the product of saying, 'yes.'”

— Lori Wilson, California State Assemblywoman

What’s next

The new early learning center is expected to continue expanding its services and partnerships with local organizations to better support families in the Vallejo community.

The takeaway

The opening of the Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center demonstrates the power of community collaboration and investment in early childhood education. By transforming a former school into a vibrant hub for childcare, family services, and economic opportunity, local leaders are paving the way for a brighter future for Vallejo's children and families.