Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)

Early Childhood Learning Center Events

ECLC is having their second annual coffee sale with a special “ECLC School Blend” made by Broadway Roasting Company that is co-owned by an ECLC parent.  The sale begins Tuesday, November 10 and orders will be taken through December 10.  This special blend comes in one pound bags of regular or decaf and whole bean or ground.  We are selling it at this time of year so that you can buy it for yourselves, your friends and family, and even your place of business as holiday gifts.  Who doesn’t like a really good cup of coffee?  Look for order forms on the table on the second floor where ECLC is.  Turn orders in to Carla Strauss -Director of ECLC.  Thanks!

We have openings in our 3/4 Preschool room.  Your child needs to have turned 3 years of age by September 1 and not 4 by September 1.  Preschool is on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and all preschoolers can only enroll for all 3 days per week.  Tuition is $255.00 per month and there is an initial $25.00 pre-registration fee.  We follow the NAEYC Standards and our curriculum is child driven.  Please call Carla Strauss, Director, at 816-363-1300 for further information and to set up a tour.

Carla Strauss, Director
(816)363-1300
cpstrauss@secondpres.org

OUR ECLC PROGRAM
Our program began in 1971 as a Parents' Day Out and has evolved into an early childhood program that is a developmentally appropriate, child centered curriculum which assists in a child's social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth. We are open to all children and provide a variety of choices for families. We believe that each child is unique, should be treated with respect, and valued as a child. We will respect the needs of each child in the context of their family. We understand that families are the first and most important teachers in a child's life. We will strive through a developmentally appropriate curriculum and a Christian environment, to assist in a child's social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth. Teachers understand that they are role models and that a trusting relationship is vital to a child's healthy development

Our Philosophy
Teachers will encourage the development of creativity, curiosity, cooperation and problem solving through the design of daily classroom activities.

Teachers will encourage the development of independence and respect for diversity within the classroom.

Program Operation
Second Presbyterian ECLC is open to all children, ages six months to five years old. The program operates September through May, with classes available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Our hours are from 9:00 to 1:30 with an optional extended hour until 2:30. Children in our Early Years program (6mos-3years) may enroll in one, two or three days - depending on your needs and our space availability. Our Preschool and Pre-kindergarten program is in session all three days. Children must be 3 years of age by September 1st of the current year and must be able to use the bathroom successfully.

ECLC Staff/Child Ratios
1 to 4 - Children under two years of age
1 to 8 - Children 2 to 3 years
1 to 10 - Children 3 to 5 years

Curriculum
We believe that children learn through their interactions with the environment, peers and teachers. Our curriculum is play based with the understanding that children have the right to investigate, explore, communicate and create. Teachers respect children's interest, ideas and individual development. Teachers respect children's interest, ideas and individual development. Classrooms are designed to encourage the children's explorations, to help them develop independently and to encourage learning in a social setting.

Infants and toddlers will receive warm, responsive and consistent care, which will foster social, emotional, and cognitive development. The development of trust between the teacher and child is crucial to the well being of the child.

Preschoolers will actively explore in centers that encourage emergent literacy and math skills. Block play, dramatic play, music, stories and art experiences will be part of daily routines. Weather permitting, outdoor play will be available each day.

Discipline
Discipline means, "to teach". 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 to make sure they understand. Gentle reminders will be given as well. Children are to be treated with love and understanding in each unique situation that occurs. Parents and teachers should work together and develop a clear understanding of individual goals for the 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. Corporal punishment will never be tolerated.

Staff
Our teachers demonstrate care, love and respect for each individual child. Each teacher has a job description to help guide and measure their performance and in addition, teachers are required to attend on going professional development workshops and training.

Professional Memberships
We are members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Christian Preschool Association, the MidAmerica Association for the Education of Young Children, the Heart of America Child Care Referral Program and the Midwest WholeChild Development Group.