Elaine Clark Center Out-of-School Enrichment Programs

Elaine Clark Center Out-of-School Enrichment Programs offer after-school care, summer camps, and other out-of-school services that include inclusive child development and a life-skills and community-engagement program. The programs also provide respite services along with on-site speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy services during program hours. These services are part of a broader continuum that also includes early intervention services.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.

The Elaine Clark Center was officially incorporated in 1969 and has over 50 years of service, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019. Its mission is to enable children of all abilities to become confident and contributing citizens of the community through an innovative model of education, therapeutic play, and experiential opportunities. The center holds accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), first achieved in 1999 and maintained since. Out-of-school programs serve around 15 children, and the childcare program supports about 40 children total, with exceptionally small class sizes compared to typical centers and integrated therapy support with on-site sessions during program hours. The program offers a continuum of care from birth through young adulthood, including an inclusive child development program that intentionally blends typically developing children with children with special needs, Heart of Hope Academy as an accredited transitional school for students with developmental disabilities, and the ECC Life program for young adults ages 22–30 to build independence and daily living confidence.

The leadership team includes Beth Schmehling Cook as Executive Director, Joi Rachmann as Social Services Coordinator, Kelly Carter as Development and Events Coordinator, and Janelle Armstrong as Education Coordinator. The Board of Directors includes Jennifer Sheppard Boston (President), Brandi Smith, Brian Mock, Cathy Hays, Grover C. Maxwell, Paul Stovall, Spencer Lewis, Thomas “T” Johnson, and Van Pappas. The Elaine Clark Center supports children and young adults across Metro Atlanta, with families from Brookhaven, Marietta, Duluth, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, and other parts of the Metro Atlanta area using its services. The center hosts community events such as Hustle for Hope, an annual community fundraiser, and a Day of Service for youth organizations, community leaders, advocates, volunteers, and athletes, and it works closely with parents, professionals, donors, and volunteers while sharing its small-program model with families, partners, and community leaders. The program notes that it offers scholarships and financial support so cost does not prevent access.

Parent testimonials describe the Elaine Clark Center as supporting families through summer camps, the early school program, the after-school program, and ECC Life. One parent reports making lifelong friendships and connections with other parents and feeling that families look out for each other and the wellness of their young adults. Another family states that they have peace of mind knowing their children are cared for, loved, and pushed to learn each day. A parent also notes that the center introduced their family to a scholarship program and provided resources to apply for Katie Beckett Medicaid.

Last updated April 25, 2026.