Sarah Lawrence College

The Early Childhood Center

Our Philosophy

Academics
Lifelong Learning Early Childhood Center
Our Philosophy Progressive Education, ECC & Your Child What is a Laboratory School?
Summer Programs Pre-College Extension Signature Learning Community Au Pairs
Two children and an adult at a table with plates and utensils.
Two children sitting on autumn leaves, examining something in their hands.
Child holding a basket of cherry tomatoes outdoors.
Child painting on a large paper canvas in a colorful smock.
Child reading a book in a library corner with bookshelves nearby.
Two children sitting on the floor reading a book together.
A child and an adult sitting on the floor playing with a toy car garage and various cars.
Two children engaged in a craft activity with paint and pom-poms on a table.
Four children focused on reading a large book together.
Child drawing with chalk on pavement.
Three individuals engaged in a crafting activity with colorful materials on a table.
Children engaged in a craft activity with leaves on a table.
Teacher reading to children with arm raised in a classroom setting.
Adult and child playing with a toy together indoors.
Adult and children looking at a tablet together.
Adult reading a book to children on a floor mat in a room with toys.
Adult supervising children engaged in arts and crafts in a classroom.
Teacher at whiteboard with attentive students in a classroom setting.
Teacher engaging with young students in a colorful classroom.
Adult and children engaged in activities around a classroom table.
Teacher with three students reading a book in a classroom.
Child in a knit hat proudly displaying a colorful block tower indoors.
Adult teaching children about recycling with plastic bottles.
Adult assisting child with a craft project in a classroom setting.
Two individuals reading a book with illustrations of children playing.
Adult assisting a child with crafts, paint supplies on table.
Child doing artwork with paint and paper at a table.
Two people sitting at a table in a classroom, reading a book together. Shelves with supplies and a bright window are in the background.
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) program is informal on the surface yet carefully organized to engage and inspire children. Teachers respond to each child’s interests and capabilities, and recognize and build upon children’s individual strengths.

In the ECC program:

  • Language learning is integral, with emphasis on understanding and communicating ideas and information.
  • Children are given abundant time to explore and experiment.
  • There are daily opportunities to work alone, in small groups, and as members of the group as a whole.
  • The outdoor environment plays a vital role. Children have ample time and space to explore the classroom outside as closely as the classroom inside. 

Learn more about progressive education, ECC and your child, and find out what it means to be a laboratory school—both important aspects of the ECC program philosophy.

My son has blossomed into a curious, independent, expressive little boy who is always questioning, always exploring. I credit the ECC with fostering that independence and curiosity and giving him room to use his imagination. I am grateful for the foundation he has received during his time here, and I know that he will carry what he has learned with him throughout his childhood.

Tara James ECC Parent
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