The Early Learning Center

Lights, camera, ACTION!

We are thrilled to announce that Welch Packaging is returning as our Presenting Sponsor for the 3rd Annual ELC Trivia Night!

Welch Packaging’s support is the backbone of this event. Trivia Night raises critical funds to support our school, our teachers, and our intergenerational programs, and a huge thank you goes out to the Welch team for investing in our community! We can’t wait to see the “Night at the Movies” magic unfold.

Even if you can’t join us for the trivia, you can still get in on the action! Our silent auction goes live online on March 23, so get ready to bid and support a great cause from home.

At the ELC, we strongly believe in the value of mixed age learning and all of the benefits that come naturally unfold with it!

Beginning this week, a small group from one of our PreK classes will plan to visit one of our Preschool classrooms every Monday during their work time to build relationships and share in active learning together.

Through this experience, our our older children have the opportunity to model intentional play, problem-solving, and caring for their classroom environment.
The younger children benefit by observing and learning from the older children. Our hope is that these experiences will help strengthen their confidence, leadership, and social skills. Experiences like this support meaningful connections and help children learn from one another in authentic ways.

We were sad to say goodbye when it was time to go, but children separated eager to see where these friendships are headed. Teachers are looking forward to documenting the growth and learning that will develop as these two classrooms come together each week! 🧸🎨🔎

Curiosity was in the air today! 🪁
PreK children experimented with a kite on this windy day and explored how the wind makes it fly. Through plenty of trial and error, they were able to make it soar!

✨🎨Art Area🎨✨
At the ELC, every classroom (Infant-PreK), features the same interest areas. True to a HighScope environment, classrooms contain a sand and water table, as well as toy, block, book, art, house, and music areas. While the areas remain the same, the materials in each classroom are intentionally chosen to match children’s developmental stages.

Why does this matter?
🌱Children feel safe and confident in familiar spaces.
🌱Learning builds progressively as skills grow more complex.
🌱Transitions between classrooms are smoother and less stressful.
🌱Play deepens as children explore the same areas in new ways.

This consistency helps children grow from explorers to thinkers to creators—all through play that’s just right for their age and abilities.
Same areas. Thoughtful materials. Powerful learning.

📚 Attention families of preschool and PreK-age children!
We are excited to invite you to a Family Workshop all about Kindergarten!

🗓 Monday, March 23rd
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Gathering Room at ELC
👶 Childcare Available (RSVP required by Sunday, March 22nd)

✨ Invite your friends — all are welcome!

Join us as our two PreK Lead Teachers share:

• What Kindergarten currently looks like in public and private schools
• How ELC’s Kindergarten will stand apart from other K experiences
• Our philosophy and approach to early childhood education

Bring your questions! Abby and Holly will also remain after the workshop for families who would like to connect individually about their child.

🎉 We are thrilled to introduce a play-based Kindergarten option opening next school year and cannot wait to share more with you.

Please note: Due to the nature of this workshop and anticipated attendance, we will not be able to accommodate late arrivals.