“We would like to thank you all, for all you have done for Sid. He was 1 year old when he first came to daycare and today, after 4 beautiful years, it is his last day there. Being parents, our greatest concern has always been to send Sid to a place where he is safe, loved and where he gets to find his joys and passions and where he gets to share it all with friends. ELC has been all these things and much more. It is a place where we always felt that our child was well taken care of and more importantly, a place that nurtured who he is. For that, we will always be grateful to you all. Sometimes when we have dropped him off at daycare, he has been sad and crying and not wanting to go but we have never once picked him up in the evening where he told us that he didn’t have a good day. ELC has been a second home to him. We just use to drop him off without thinking if he will be okay, we knew he will be and as a parent, that is the greatest gift. There will never be enough words to thank you all for all you have done in taking care of Sid. Sid has grown into an amazing young boy and each of you has contributed to that in a special way.”
Ginna and KeithEarly Learning Center
About Us
Our 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
Vision of the ELC:
The UD Early Learning Center is a community of learners where equitable and inquisitive learning experiences instill confidence, resiliency, compassion, and creativity.
Mission of the ELC:
As leaders of exceptional practices in early childhood education, 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 and inquiry, 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.