“Historic Ida Barbour Early Learning Center is a welcoming, safe, healthy, and stimulating environment that facilitates the educational, personal, and physical development of children and their families.’ Ida Barbour Early Learning Center has been operating in the Portsmouth Community since 1910 and continues to uphold the legacy of its founder, Miss Ida B. Barbour.
In 2004, the Board of Directors voted to change the name of Miller Home and Day Nursery to Ida Barbour Early Learning Center, in honor of its founder. The center is in the United States Library of Congress Archives as one of the oldest daycare establishments in the state of Virginia.
As a non-profit organization, 100% of the families are low-income, however, many, many residents received their start at Ida Barbour. The COVID pandemic hit us hard, as we faced challenges with staffing and enrollment. Much needed financial support from The Blocker Foundation has helped us persevere in providing quality staff that will engage our children with the necessary skills for early development, strong foundation for entering school, and future success in this challenging society.”
Dr. Margaret Rose Buxton, Executive Director
Ida Barbour Early Learning Center