OUR STORY
Founded in 2009 by Ellicia Lanier, a dedicated educator and advocate, Urban Sprouts was born out of the belief that every child deserves a space where they are nurtured, seen, and celebrated.
With a heart for justice and a mind for innovation, Ellicia set out to create more than just a childcare center—she created a space where children and families could grow together, where learning is meaningful, and where community is at the heart of everything.
Our first location opened its doors in 2009 in University City, nestled right across from Heman Park.
What began as a small but mighty space dedicated to nurturing the whole child quickly became a trusted resource for families in our community.
As the need for this kind of space grew, so did we—expanding in 2012 to a second location in Olivette.
These milestones were a reflection of the growing trust and connection we shared with families, and they laid the foundation for something even greater.
In 2017, we united both locations on Olive Boulevard, forming a single, central hub that allowed us to bring all of our values under one roof.
This move wasn’t just about space—it was about community. About building a thriving, inclusive environment where children could flourish, families could find support, and educators could lead with love and purpose.
We’re still growing, still dreaming, and still so proud to walk this journey with each and every one of you.The BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES campaign is Urban Sprouts’ response to our community’s needs.There is a lack of high quality, affordable early childhood care and education. Urban Sprouts alone has a waiting list of more than 450 families.Urban Sprouts will expand its campus and increase its ECE seats by 40%.
BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITES
2023-2026 Expansion Project