A new space for SAL's Skip-a-Long Rock Island campus

Construction is underway on a brand-new, state-of-the-art early learning center in Rock Island's West End designed to help children, families, and our community thrive.

The new 32,500 square foot center, located on 11th Street and adjacent to Friendship Manor, is a major leap forward—expanding from 9 to 12 classrooms, growing our teaching team from 28 to 39, and increasing our capacity from 186 to 192 children. Every inch is designed for exploration and growth, from naturally lit classrooms and fully equipped learning spaces to seamless outdoor play areas and an indoor gym that keeps kids moving year-round.

We're doing more than building a center—we're building bridges. Our partnership with Friendship Manor will create a powerful intergenerational learning experience. It's the first of its kind in the Quad Cities, and only the third in Illinois. Children and seniors will share space, stories, and time to learn and grow together. It's a rare and proven model that improves mental, physical, and emotional health for seniors while helping children develop communication skills, empathy and patience, and a deeper connection to their community.

We're strengthening partnerships with organizations like Olivet Church, Project Now, and others who are eager to support a thriving, sustainable West End. Our on-site Welcoming Center will continue to serve immigrant and refugee families through crisis support and resource navigation.

The Rock Island Skip-a-Long Childhood Center will be a place of growth, joy, and possibilities. It's a place where children can thrive, seniors can connect, and neighborhoods can rise. We're not just building a facility, we're building a brighter future.

Center Amenities

Spacious, sunlit classrooms with large windows for natural light
Modern, fully equipped classrooms
Large gym to allow children to remain active regardless of the weather
Sensory gardens, outdoor art spaces, and nature classrooms
Child-size toilets in every classroom
Healthy meals and snacks

Quality learning continues into the school years

The new Skip-a-Long Rock Island campus will provide high-quality before school, after school, summer, and intersession learning environments for 60 K-5th grade students.

Second floor classrooms designed for school-age students
Active learning environment includes outdoor classroom and STEAM programming
Easy, convenient, innovative place for families with young and school-aged children to learn and grow together
Helping students with homework provides continuity between school and out-of-school time learning
Enrichment activities through collaborations with community partners
Healthy meals and snacks nourish growing bodies and feed their minds
Families retain access to all our supportive services

The Need is Clear

In Rock Island, 1 in 4 children live in poverty and 98% of children at our current Rock Island campus come from low-income or at-risk families.

Our current facility needs to be replaced. The building lacks modern heating and cooling systems, lacks proper air ventiliation, and experiences major flooding during rainfalls.

Without this new facility, we would have to close our Rock Island center and 125 children from birth to age 12 would lose a safe place to learn.

Building a Brighter Future: SAL Community Services' New Skip-a-Long Rock Island Campus

By SAL Community Services Foundation

Building a Brighter Future: SAL Community Services' New Skip-a-Long Rock Island Campus

SAL Community Services' Capital Campaign