We celebrate and honor each child and their family to promote optimal development for all. We design engaging environments with children where learning is fostered through play, conversations, and discovery. Engagement and collaboration with the academic and research programs of the University of Delaware and the broader community promotes innovative and reflective practices.
Vision:
The UD Early Learning Center is a community of learners where equitable learning experiences instill confidence, resiliency, compassion, and creativity. The University of Delaware Early Learning Center is Nationally Accredited by the National Association for the Development of Young Children, Delaware Star 5 rated program, and affiliated with the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance.
ELC Philosophy:
The University of Delaware Early Learning Center is a collaborative learning environment where the ELC, university and community work together to provide early learning experiences to support each child, each family, professional educators and future educators. Each classroom varies to reflect the ages of the children, their unique interests and early learning practices supported through research and practice.
At the ELC:
Children are valued for their ability to do meaningful work, their sense of wonder and curiosity, their perspectives, and their ability to play. Families are valued for their bonds and traditions, their ability to play, their commitment to work, home, and community, and their dreams for their children. Staff are valued for their vision, their delight in children, their skill and knowledge, their commitment to families. Community is valued for their support of children and families, their contribution to the well being of all members and their acts of collaboration to support the future of all individuals
We care for your children during the day, but most importantly, we partner with families to support their child’s overall development and learning.