In it's conceptual role, East Side Acres was a Parent Co-op developed by members of The Children's Center, The Sanford Housing Authority, ASPIRE and the residents of East Side Acres in the fall of 1997.

The purpose was to start a quality child care program that was accessible, available, and affordable while the parents worked, attended classes, or volunteered. A training in Child Care was offered to ASPIRE participants or others who were interested in child care for a career and/or personal growth.