Early Childhood Learning Center

Contact the ECLC Director at eclcdirector@secondpres.org if you are interested in enrolling your child.

History

Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) program began in 1971 as a Parents’ Day Out and has evolved into the early childhood program that it is today. We strive to meet each child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs through developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum. ECLC believes that each child is unique, should be treated with respect, and be valued as a child. We respect the needs of each child in the context of his or her family as we believe that families are the first and most important teachers in a child’s life. Teachers understand that they are role models and that a trusting relationship is vital to a child’s healthy development. The relationships that we build with our families and that they build with other families enable us to provide a strong, supportive community.

Curriculum
The early years in a child’s life set the tone for future learning. The goal at the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is to stay current on research in child development to build a foundation that lasts a lifetime. Our teachers provide: materials and active experiences that children need to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, a secure, caring, and enriched environment that promotes learning and the development of the whole child, and opportunities for self-expression and self-directed learning.

Constructive Discipline/Guidance
At ECLC the purpose of constructive discipline/guidance is to teach children valuable social skills, develop self-discipline, and self-control. We believe that children learn appropriate behavior through modeling from adults, design of the environment, developmentally appropriate materials, redirection, and problem solving through small group discussions. Teachers use positive techniques of guidance, including logical or natural consequences and encouragement of appropriate behavior. Consistent, clear rules are developed with the children and are discussed with them, modeled, and practiced. Gentle reminders will be given as well. Children are treated with love and understanding in each unique situation that occurs. Parents and teachers will work together to develop a clear understanding of individual goals for each child. Teachers will seek ideas from parents when dealing with unique situations. The overall goal is for children to learn to communicate in a social group and to develop self-control and respect for materials, self and others.

Staff
Our teachers demonstrate care, love, and respect for each individual child. A background check is completed on all staff through the Family Care Safety Registry and a nationwide criminal record check. Each staff has a job description to help guide and measure his or her performance and are required to attend ongoing professional development workshops and training.