Program, Schedules and Tuition: The Early Childhood Center

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) was founded on the ideals of progressive education, which is based on the centrality of direct experience in learning; the view of the child as the center of the educational experience; and the making of meaning and construction of knowledge through experience and reflection, as both the goal and the means of education.

Class Structure

• Each class is taught by a lead teacher, a graduate assistant teacher, and several student assistants.
• The teachers and the Director are available for conversation and consultation throughout the year. Fall and spring parent-teacher conferences are also formally scheduled.
• A member of each family (usually a parent) stays at the ECC when the child first attends school, leaving gradually when parent and teacher decide the time has come for separation. The ECC recognizes that separation is difficult and work hard to make the best decisions for each individual child.

Class Schedules & Tuition

The ECC offers morning classes for 2s-4/5s and a full day option for 5/6s students. Preschool classes are in session from early September to mid-May, in accordance with the College calendar. The Five/Sixes class extends into early June. The ECC is closed during College breaks. 

Please note that we do not offer extended day or afternoon programs for our preschool students.

While we do have a limited financial aid program, regretfully we are no longer accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year; all aid has been allocated.