Frequently Asked Questions

There are many attributes that set the Early Childhood Center apart from other programs:

• The Early Childhood Center is a Sarah Lawrence College laboratory school.
• Our location on the Sarah Lawrence College campus gives us a wonderful backdrop to explore, and a natural extension to the classrooms.
• Our idea of school readiness differs a bit from other programs. It involves children working hard wherever they are, mastering that stage, and taking the next steps with patience and the encouragement of the adults in the classroom. These are the “readiness” skills that can’t be taught. They must be modeled and practiced and experienced over and over. Children who accomplish these skills are truly ready for whatever comes next. Read more about our progressive education approach

Simply put, the Early Childhood Center is a place where children can be children.

For an in-depth look at what it means to be a lab school, please see: What is a Laboratory School?

The ECC has a Parents Association (PA), which each family belongs to as part of the ECC community. Parents can choose to be as active as they are comfortable. 

The PA sponsors events such as music concerts for the children, storytelling, family picnics, and an annual fundraising event, as well as community awareness events such as food pantry collections and clothing drives. Parents are also welcome to visit the classrooms, but it is with the individual child’s interest in mind.

Children can start the ECC at any age, although starting earlier gives children priority placement for subsequent classes.

The ECC provides a varied pattern of morning  classes. Younger children attend two or three half-days per week, and older children attend five times per week.

A master teacher of early childhood education, a graduate student assistant teacher, and several student assistants teach each class.

Classes are in session from early September to mid-May, in accordance with the College's academic calendar. A separate summer session is also offered. The ECC is closed during the College breaks.

For more information, meet our team and review our programs and schedules.

The ECC follows the Sarah Lawrence College academic calendar. Because the classroom relies so much on our college students, running the program when the College is not in session is untenable. The ECC has an extended winter break and a spring break in March.

For detailed information, please see the tuition page.

For families who wish to learn more about our programs and philosphies, we offer several virtual Open Houses throughout the year. Upon reciept of a complete admissions package, parents/guardians will be invited to individually meet with our Director and tour the facilities in-person.

Learn more about scheduling a visit and applying. 

The Early Childhood Center welcomes families from all socioeconomic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. The ECC aims to reflect the world community and is committed to diversity among staff, teachers, and students. 

The most important criteria for acceptance are that the applicants feel comfortable with the learning environment of the ECC and that our pedagogy is a good match for the child.

Our rolling admissions period opens in October of the preceding year you wish to enroll your child and concludes when we reach full enrollment — typically in the spring.  However, we welcome inquiries at all times and accept accplications as space allows.

We regret that we cannot accept applications for the current academic year, as we do not offer mid-year placements.
Learn more about how to apply.