Our Philosophy

We believe that children are best served and educated in environments that are supportive, nurturing, and safe.  Children thrive in environments that provide:
  • A sense of community
  • A strong connection between family and school
  • The recognition that the rate of development varies dramatically from one child to another
  • Positive social interactions among all individuals within a community
  • Opportunities to develop and celebrate everyone's cultural heritage
  • Child-centered and active learning opportunities
  • Age and developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • A recognition of the importance of imaginative play
  • Ample opportunities for early literacy development 
  • Frequent involvement in creative arts
We especially acknowledge the many positive benefits that result from recognizing and celebrating human diversity. With a culturally competent staff and curriculum, we believe that all children can gain a respectful disposition toward human similarities an differences.

Our Curriculum

The educational foundation of the EELC curriculum is based on the principles of developmentally-appropriate practices.  Teachers individualize instruction while providing activities to enhance language development, cognitive, physical, social, and self-help skills. Our curriculum includes several critical components.

  • Creative Curriculum – A framework that is rooted in the developmental theories of Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget.  The classrooms are arranged in interest centers to promote independence and creativity, and to foster decision making skills.
  • Thematic Units – Teachers provide experiences based on a theme of study each week.
  • Virginia Foundational Blocks – A state program for four-year-olds to ensure readiness for kindergarten
  • The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is used to assess the development of all children throughout the year.
  • The Phonological Awareness and Literacy Screening is administered to four-year-olds