Early Learning Center

ELC Programs

Infant

Our infant program offers spacious, safe classrooms with educated, well-trained staff.

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Toddler

Our toddler program is designed to allow plenty of opportunity for exploration.

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Preschool

Our Preschool and Pre-K Programs offer a stimulating environment for your child.

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Parent Advisory Committee

Parent Advisory Committee events helping ELC family and the community.

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Emergency Notifications

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With a long tradition of providing high-quality, professional early education programs for diverse populations, we offer children a safe, nurturing space to grow and flourish and families a welcoming, supportive community.

Conveniently located in West Newton close to I-95, the Mass Pike and the MBTA commuter rail, (directions) our large, free-standing building features large bright classrooms, carpeted indoor gross motor space, a full size gym, an art studio, library and atrium garden. We enjoy outdoor space that includes playing fields, playgrounds, sand play and a spray pool. The Early Learning Center (ELC) provides full year, full day (8:00AM – 6:00PM) child care for children 3 months to 5 years.

At Family ACCESS, we believe that parents are partners, children are competent and teachers are researchers and educators. Low ratios and well-trained, experienced teachers allow us to build strong, trusting relationships with children and families. Curriculum is based on children’s interests and is individualized for each child.

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Highlights

Low teacher-child ratios facilitate individualized attention.
Inquiry and play-based emergent curriculum
Monthly professional development for our educated and committed teachers.
Collaborative teacher-parent communication
Increased sanitation, cleaning, social distancing, use of protective gear and strict protocols observed to increase health and safety

Indoor & Outdoor Facilities

Large, bright, expansive preschool classrooms
Beautiful outdoor space
Large, safe indoor gross motor room
Full-court gymnasium
Playground designed for children ages 6m-5yrs

Convenient

Full-day, full-year program
Location: 492 Waltham St. West Newton, MA
Hours: 8:00AM – 6:00PM, Monday – Friday

Our Philosophy

We believe that play, within the context of healthy relationships, is the primary way in which young children grow and mature into happy, productive students ready for a lifetime of learning. In the Early Learning Center (ELC), playful interactions with responsive adults, their peers and an enriching environment enable children to learn about the world, themselves and each other. As children play, they test their ideas, learn new skills, develop strategies for problem-solving, acquire knowledge and communicate their understanding. As they play, they learn to master their minds, bodies and emotions. This cornerstone of the ELC’s approach to early education is supported by current research on child development. A report by the American Academy of Pediatrics states, “…free and unstructured play is healthy and – in fact – essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them manage stress and become resilient.” ….

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