Early Learning Center
At A Glance
The Early Learning Center, located on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus, was founded in 2004 as a living laboratory in childhood development. It serves as a site for university researchers, students interested in early education, and a model childcare facility for the state of Delaware. The Early Learning Center celebrates the diversity and culture of all families and community partners.
The ELC is:
- A full-day early childhood program for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old and school age children from Kindergarten through 2nd grade
- Affiliated and supported by University of Delaware
- Open to families in the community
- Licensed by the state of Delaware
- Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Rated a 5-Star program by the Delaware Star’s Quality Rating and Improvement System
- 21 classrooms with approximately 250 children
- Multiple outdoor environments on more than 2 acres of property
- Full size gym
- Full service kitchen
- Observation booths for both families and UD faculty/staff
- Research facility for the University of Delaware
- Hours are 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday
- 250 children across 21 classrooms
- Programs caring for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool and School Age children
- Teacher to Student ratios in each classroom
- Infant Ratio is 1:3
- Toddler Ratio is 1:4
- Preschool Ratio is 1:8, 1:9 and 1:10
- School Age Ratio is 1:12
- Optional Summer Camp available for School Age children
- 40 Full Time Professional Teaching Staff
- 5 Administrative Staff
- 1 Nutritionist provides delicious, healthy meals
- Approximately 30 Part Time Staff
- Each classroom contains 2 full time staff members
- Full time teaching staff receive 18 hours of professional development each year