📣 Now Enrolling — Year-round for Toddlers · 3-K & Pre-K follows NYCPS enrollment schedule

OUR STORY

From Grassroots Beginnings to Generational Impact

During the height of the Civil Rights movement, nine Puerto Rican mothers founded the first parent-controlled daycare center to receive public funding in NYC. Sixty years later, their kids and grandkids have come through our doors.

A national model

A grassroots movement that became a model for the nation.

East Harlem Block Nursery became a national model of early childhood education in the 1960s and 1970s due to its community activist beginnings. This early history has been captured in a book called A School of Our Own: Parents, Power, and Community at the East Harlem Block Schools, which describes the many struggles it took to create and run the first parent-controlled day care center in East Harlem.

Much has changed over six decades, but the vision, commitment and dedication to provide the best early childhood education is still our focus.

EHBN's founding group

Nine families. One block. A movement.

Over the years, EHBN has become an example of what can happen when communities come together and advocate for themselves — starting with nine mothers who refused to wait for someone else to build what their children needed.

“As a mother of four young children, I was interested in education. So I went door to door and asked the other mothers on my block what they thought was needed in the neighborhood. They said ‘a good pre-school for our children!’ Although we had no clue what we were doing or getting ourselves into, we had the passion and commitment to make our vision a reality.”

Carmen Ward, Founder

1938–2019

SIXTY YEARS, MARKED

EHBN’s History & Milestones

Here’s a snapshot of important dates and events in EHBN’s history. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and are excited for what’s ahead!

1965–1969

EHBN was founded and certified as a community-based nonprofit organization 501(c)(3), and became the first parent-controlled program to receive public funds in NYC.

1970s

During the 70s financial crisis, EHBN was a driving force behind advocacy for more funding and parent rights.

EHBN established a college program to support our parents, including many who staffed the center. In total, 35 parents earned their Bachelors degrees.

An elementary school was also established.

1980s

EHBN became 1 of 10 community organizations in NYC to pilot the Universal Pre-K program.

It also continued operating the elementary school program as well as three other centers.

1990s

As the education landscape in NYC evolved, EHBN advocated to ensure community-based organizations remained a resource for early education and care.

2000-2010s

EHBN acquired Grant Day Care Center (EHBN #3). The Grant Center has also served children in Harlem for over sixty years.

2020s-present

EHBN continues to advocate for more program funding and pay parity for workers.

In 2025, EHBN celebrated its 60th anniversary!

READY TO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF?

Come see why Harlem families have trusted us for 60 years.

The best way to know if EHBN is right for your family is to walk through the door. Schedule a free tour and meet our educators today.

Schedule a Tour

Year-round enrollment · Free & subsidized seats available · Extended day programs