About Us
Your Child's Home Away From Home
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:
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A sense of community
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A strong connection between family and school
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The recognition that the rate of development varies dramatically from one child to another
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Positive social interactions among all individuals within a community
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Opportunities to develop and celebrate everyone's cultural heritage
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Child-centered and active learning opportunities
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Age and developmentally appropriate curriculum
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A recognition of the importance of imaginative play
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Many opportunities for early literacy development
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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 and differences.
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.
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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. The curriculum includes 38 objectives for development and learning in the areas of language, cognitive,physical and social-emotional development, math, science, literacy, art and music.
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Units of Study – Teachers prepare lessons to complete in-depth studies of a broad variety of topics.
Assessment of Children's Development
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Teaching Strategies Gold – Each child’s development is continually assessed to determine their level of development for each of the 38 objectives in the Creative Curriculum. Lessons are prepared based on the strengths and needs of each student. A report is provided to parents twice a year.
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The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is distributed to parents each year to assess their own child’s development.
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The Virginia Language and Literacy Screener and the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program are administered to all four-year-olds.
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EELC partners with Lynchburg City Schools and Infant/Toddler Connection of Central Virginia to provide an inclusive opportunity for children with special needs.
Our Teachers
Complete state and federal background checks and TB tests before hiring.
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Are certified in child CPR/First Aid
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Complete a minimum of 16 hours of professional development each year in the areas such as child development, assessment of children’s development, curriculum, health and safety, behavior management, classroom organization, ethics and professionalism follow Virginia Department of Education licensing standards
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Follow NAEYC accreditation standards
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 and differences.
EELC teachers are passionate about nurturing and teaching children. Some have worked in the field of early childhood education for decades. Every child is welcomed and the teachers strive to develop trusting relationships with the children and parents.
