Join us in shaping the future of education!
Explore what we have to offer—because even superheroes need day jobs!
Email Jobs@elcvt.org with more questions
The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a non-profit early childhood education program created in partnership with families, educators, and members of the community. The Center is a fully licensed, developmentally oriented program located at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, providing high-quality child care and early education for 38 children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. We believe that children are competent learners from birth. We value children’s natural curiosity and individual ideas and facilitate children’s learning through a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum in an enriching, safe, and nurturing environment, in which children reach their full potential. Our center is committed to providing the very best early childhood education experience for every child and family in our care. Welcome to our community!
We are a S.E.E.D. certified school! All of our families have access to a free course on emotional development.
Click the logo to find out more about Seed & Sew!
Searching for care and hoping to join the ELC Family?
Fill out our Waitlist Inquiry Form and a director will connect with you soon!
Currently, we have some openings in our preschool (3y-5y), reach out if you are looking!
Philosophy
Our center is committed to providing the very best early childhood education experience for every child and family in our care.
We believe that each and every child is a unique individual who thrives in an environment where they feel safe and valued. Our center provides a secure base, which nurtures a sense of belonging for every child in our care.
We believe that children are competent learners from birth. We value children’s natural curiosity and individual ideas and we facilitate children’s learning through a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum.
We believe in equity and inclusion. Our center values diversity and celebrates individual differences, and we strive to create an environment that promotes tolerance and creates respectful relationships.
We believe in positive partnerships. We understand that parents are the first and most enduring educators of their children and we value the opportunity for meaningful collaboration. Our center welcomes the contribution and active participation of parents and families in our community.
We believe in the life-long value of high-quality early education. We understand that a strong foundation in the early years supports the development of resilience and enables every individual to achieve their fullest potential in life.
Mission
To value children and families and promote positive learning experiences in an environment that inspires curiosity, nurtures respectful relationships and empowers active involvement in the community.
Vision
Our vision is to cultivate and create an early childhood community of connection and belonging. We strive to contribute to the development of a stronger, more equitable community in Vermont by creating an early foundation based on respect and kindness.
Values
Values based on the Core Concepts of:
Respect (for self and others, fostering an understanding of individual differences and diversity)
Sharing (promoting equity and openness, a sense of belonging and responsibility)
Health and Wellbeing (promoting physical, emotional and mental health)
High Quality Early Education (based on Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), through a play-based curriculum, which is planned and implemented by professional early educators)
Partnership (with parents/guardians, colleagues, community members)
