Serving Our Youngest Learners While Equipping Tomorrow’s Educators A T S O UTHE A S TERN UNIVE R SITY
Building Bright Futures
There are 40,000+ children in Polk County ages 0-4
The current cultural landscape demands that we begin to think differently about how we are educating and caring for our children.
As a Christ-centered institution, SEU is committed to developing servant leaders who bring transformation to their communities and the world. Rooted in faith, excellence, and a passion for lifelong learning, SEU equips future educators through hands-on, immersive training experiences.
The early childhood center will extend this mission by serving as a dynamic learning lab for students in our College of Education — providing a real-world environment to develop essential teaching skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. Emphasizing practical training in early childhood learning and development, the center bridges theory and practice to prepare educators to meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.
At the same time, the center will nurture its youngest learners in a loving, faith-filled setting — encouraging curiosity and laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.
At Southeastern University, we believe learning begins with wonder. Every space in the early childhood center will be intentionally designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection, from the moment a child walks through the doors. Every gift — no matter the amount — brings us closer to making this vision a reality for our community and future generations, with opportunities to leave your legacy through select naming options.
OPPORTUNITIES TO
PARTNER
Investment: $500,000
The Legacy Hall will be a beautiful, story-rich entryway celebrating SEU’s legacy of faith, leadership, and academic excellence. This space reminds every child that they are part of a larger story, one filled with hope, purpose, and potential.
The Playground will facilitate creativity and play, as well as be a hands-on learning lab where exploration, movement, and imagination thrive. Outdoor experiences will help children develop physically, socially, and emotionally in a safe, joyful environment, reflecting the spirit of discovery SEU encourages in every learner.
The Main Lobby will serve as the warm, welcoming heart of the center, offering families a sense of belonging the moment they arrive. With thoughtful design and inviting spaces, it will reflect SEU’s commitment to hospitality and community, creating a first impression that reflects God’s love and the value of every child.
For Exploration
At SEU, we believe the formative years are a pivotal time, shaping not only how children learn, but how they see themselves, others, and the world around them. The classrooms at the early childhood center will be thoughtfully designed as environments of safety, creativity, and spiritual growth.
Each of the eight classrooms will serve as a nurturing space where children are guided by caring educators who reflect the heart of SEU’s mission: to equip every individual to discover their God-given purpose — their Divine Design. Through hands-on exploration, age-appropriate learning, and Christ-centered teaching, these classrooms will help lay the foundation for a lifetime of growth and impact.
YOUR PART IN THEIR START
Investment: $250,000 per classroom, eight available
High-quality learning environments tailored to early childhood development.
For Formation
For Preparation
“Education students will develop essential teaching competencies through guided mentorship from experienced faculty and active participation in lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessments. This practical experience will allow them to refine their instructional techniques, foster meaningful student engagement, and gain confidence in effectively educating young learners.”
— Theodore Church, SEU Assistant Professor, RSG at SEU Project Lead
SEU College of Education students will have the opportunity for hands-on learning and training through the new Training and Observation Rooms — purposefully designed spaces that bring theory to life. These rooms are a vital part of SEU’s vision to equip future educators through meaningful, real-world experience. As part of the SEU College of Education, students will receive immersive training by actively engaging with young children in environments that reflect the classrooms they will one day lead.
YOUR HAND IN HANDS-ON LEARNING
Investment: $250,000-$499,999 per room
Create an exceptional educator training environment.
For Care & Community
Every detail of the early childhood center is designed to support the whole child, along with the families, educators, and caregivers who play a vital role in their growth.
The Kitchen, Admin Suite, and Quiet Room will each play an essential role in creating a safe, welcoming, and well-supported environment where children can thrive.
The Kitchen will provide nutritious meals and snacks, fueling growing bodies and minds in a space that promotes health and wellness.
The Admin Suite will be the operational heart, where dedicated staff coordinate programs and foster partnerships that align with SEU’s mission of servant leadership and holistic development.
HELP BUILD BRIGHTER BEGINNINGS
Investment: $100,000-$249.999 per space
Equipment needed to create welcoming, functional environments.
The Quiet Room offers a peaceful retreat for children needing calm and reflection, reinforcing the importance of emotional well-being and individualized care.
At Southeastern University, we’re reimagining early childhood education through a whole-child approach that nurtures imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our new Early Childhood Center will offer rich, engaging spaces that emphasize literature, nature, the arts, and hands-on experiences — encouraging creativity, focus, and joyful discovery without reliance on screens or devices.
FUEL CREATIVITY
Donation Wall
$25,000 - $99,999
A lasting tribute to those who champion the future of education. Your name or your family’s name will be prominently displayed on the Donor Wall, honoring your partnership in shaping young lives.
For Ingenuity
For Discovery
Our early childhood center will be filled with thoughtfully designed features that inspire exploration, creativity, and growth. From cozy library nooks that create a welcoming space for children to discover stories, to interactive playground structures that encourage active play — every element will play a vital role in nurturing young minds and bodies.
OPEN THE DOOR TO DISCOVERY
Investments range from $5,000-$24,999
Offering meaningful ways to support specific classroom features and playground pieces, including:
n Library nook seating and shelving
n Interactive learning stations
n Sensory play areas
n Climbing structures and slides
n Outdoor musical instruments
n And many more exciting elements
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER GIVING LEVELS
Founders of Formation
$500,000+
Gardeners of Growth
$250,000 – $499,999
Legacy Hall, Playground, Main Lobby
These transformational leaders provide the cornerstone of the early childhood center. Their investment makes possible the anchor spaces that welcome every child, shape first impressions, and foster joyful play.
Classrooms, Observation & Training Rooms
This tier honors those who provide the environments where formation happens daily—through play, prayer, and discovery. These gifts nurture minds and hearts through sacred rhythms of learning.
Planters of Purpose
$100,000 – $249,999
Kitchen, Quiet Room, Administrative Suite
These supporters ensure the “hidden curriculum” of care and order flourishes. From nourishment to rest, from guidance to logistics—these spaces quietly shape the environment where learning takes root.
Nurturers of Discovery
$25,000 – $99,999
Donation Wall
Your gift lays the foundation for a child’s first encounter with faith, learning, and wonder—shaping lives for generations to come.
For more ways to give visit give.seu.edu/ECC
Seeds of Imagination Circle
Inspiration Fund
$5,000 – $24,999
Flexible Funding for Furnishings, Curriculum, Sensory Stations
These gifts bring beauty, joy, and creativity to life, from reading nooks to rhythm corners, seeding children’s imaginations with delight and wonder..
All Donation Levels
Support hands-on, creative learning experiences that help children grow through play, exploration, and real-world engagement.Kitchen, Quiet Room, Administrative Suite
Community Builders
Sponsorship
Various Levels
At every giving level, corporate partners create lasting impact — funding transformative learning environments and engaging their teams in ways that inspire and equip the next generation.
Make a Lasting Impact
Whether you’re ready to make a pledge today or want to explore how your gift can create a transformational impact, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
“The groundbreaking of the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center marks a pivotal step forward in our strategic plan. This center is more than a building — it’s a direct expression of our mission, meeting a vital educational need in our community and investing in the future of our children."
Dr.
Kent Ingle, President of SEU
