About Us
Beatty Early Learning Center
1661 Leforge Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
734-994-8178
Meet Our Principal: Keynon Atchison
We are excited to introduce Keynon Atchison as the Principal of Beatty Early Learning Center!
With almost 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Mr. Atchison (or Mr. A, as the students call him) brings a deep commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment, academic excellence, student well-being, and positive family partnerships. Prior to joining YCS, he served Wayne County’s early learners in various positions. Most recently, he was the GSRP Director at Harper Woods Public Schools. Before his tenure in Harper Woods, he moved through the ranks at Matrix Head Start, starting off a Lead Teacher and becoming a Center Manager and then a Child Development Specialist within their Early Head Start program.
Mr. Atchison is a native Detroiter and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relationships from Tennessee State University and is currently working on his administrative and central office certifications.
Mr. Atchison believes that every student deserves a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
In Mr. Atchison’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and loved ones and watching sports.
In Mr. Atchison’s own words:
"I am honored to join the Beatty Early Learning Center family. I want to give the families of Ypsilanti Community Schools something to be proud of and a place that they feel is giving their child the best opportunity for future success. I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff as we work together to create a bright and successful future for the children of Ypsilanti!"
Our Programs
- Provides high-quality early care and education service to children three and four years of age in center-based, full-day programs.
- Children who attend a high-quality program in the year or two before kindergarten are better prepared for school academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Preschool has 3 early childhood locations in Ypsilanti: Beatty ELC, Ford ELC, and Perry ELC.
- Preschool provides a comprehensive preschool experience to children, including children with special needs, to creatively challenge and develop their competency skills.
- The center-based preschool program utilizes a curriculum, which includes individualization and emphasizes the use of positive guidance.
- Preschool has an excellent School Readiness and Transition program from Preschool to Kindergarten.
- Nutritious meals, snacks, and transportation provided.
- Preschool offers State of Michigan (GSRP) and federally (Head Start) funded preschool services FREE for families who qualify. Go to Link to Washtenaw Preschool information. to fill out an interest survey.
Beatty ELC Profile
Special Services Offered in Building:
Full day state and federally funded preschool programs
Special education team available to provide IEP services and to determine eligibility of students referred for special education services
Three full-time Family Support Specialists onsite to help families achieve goals and obtain resources
Part-time Nurse onsite
Many parent volunteer opportunities
Regular family events
Monthly parent meetings
Rotary Readers read to children weekly
Foster Grandparents program
Volunteers from U of M nurses program and Washtenaw Promise mentorship program
Fluoride Varnish and Mobile Dentist Services provided
Onsite Community Behavioral Health Clinic from EMU
Sleep/Pajama Program for students and parents
Class Size Averages
16 children per classroom, 2 adults (16:2)
Staff
Instructional Staff (Full-Time Equivalent): 16
7 staff members have a teaching certificate; one additional staff member is currently enrolled in classes to obtain a teaching certificate
2 staff members have a Master’s Degree or higher
5 staff members are current or former Head Start parents
Support Staff: 10
Administrators: 1
School Communication
https://www.ycschools.us/our-schools/pre-k-and-kindergarten/beatty-early-learning-center/