Transition of St. Ambrose University Children’s Campus to The Learning Garden
The children’s childcare landscape in Davenport, Iowa, is set to undergo a significant transformation as the St. Ambrose University (SAU) Children’s Campus concludes its operations this summer. The facility, located at 1301 W. Lombard St., has provided licensed, full-day childcare for over three decades, but is scheduled to close its doors on June 20, 2026. However, in a notable development, the building will continue serving the community by reopening in July as The Learning Garden, a non-university affiliated early learning center.
Courtney Stutt, the director of the Children’s Campus, alongside assistant Tyler McIntire, has taken proactive steps to ensure that this essential resource continues to be available to families in the area. Stutt and McIntire have purchased the property from SAU and expressed their commitment to not only preserving the space but also enhancing it to better serve the needs of families, children, and educators. “Once we learned that SAU would be closing the center, we knew how important it was to preserve the space for the children, families, and educators who have called it home,” Stutt noted in an interview with the Quad-City Times.
The Learning Garden aims to build upon the legacy established by SAU, while introducing a refreshed focus on whole-child development through exploration and play. The facility plans to incorporate outdoor learning experiences and other nature-infused methods into its curriculum, ensuring that young learners have opportunities to engage with their environment meaningfully. According to enrollment projections, the center will offer 12 spaces in conjunction with the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program in partnership with Davenport schools, along with additional slots for infants and toddlers.
Stutt has revealed that while the center is already accepting enrollments, it anticipates filling the following slots: five for infants (0–12 months), six for two-year-olds, and twelve for three-year-olds. Slots for children aged 12–23 months are currently filled, highlighting the demand for quality childcare in the region.
To support the transition and upcoming launch of The Learning Garden, the new center is encouraging community involvement through a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising start-up funds. Families interested in securing a spot for their children or learning more about the program can visit The Learning Garden’s website for additional information.
In summary, the development of The Learning Garden represents a crucial commitment to sustaining quality early childhood education within the Davenport community, addressing the growing need for accessible childcare. As the community prepares for this transition, Stutt and McIntire’s focused approach to early learning promises a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
