Our Difference

So, what makes Early Learners different and unique in today’s fast paced and fast changing world? Our first, very important, difference is that we are smaller than most current child care centers/preschools. Mostly for economic reasons, centers today are generally built for 100 or more (recently 200!) children. Our center has a license limit of 60 children. We believe that our smaller size allows for more personal relationships with families and a quieter and calmer environment for our children.

As we designed our first and subsequent centers, it was important for us to make the buildings look like a family home. We want these tiny humans to feel safe and comfortable and to feel like our center is an extension of their family, kind of like a grandparent’s or an aunt’s or uncle’s home. In fact our layout came from modifying an actual home plan. So when our kiddos come into the center it feels like home to them and they are greeted by our Kitchen Manager’s or Onsite Director’s smiling faces and can smell the great cooking aromas wafting from the kitchen which is right beside the entrance.

Another benefit in a smaller center is that all of our staff members get to know all of our children well, even those who are not in ‘their’ group. This really helps as the children transition from one room to the next as they grow and advance. There is always someone familiar who knows them and is aware of their personalities and needs.

In addition, we all know that turnover of child care staff is a big issue. We are very fortunate to have teachers and caregivers who stay with us for a very long time with staff members who have been with us for many years. Some of them have been with us from 7-26 and 27 years. Our average teacher/caregiver is with us 14-16 years. They are the true heroes of child care, and we do our best to make our center a good place to work.

This smaller, more personal environment also allows us to carry out a values-based approach to early childhood development in which we partner with parents. We have time each day to visit with Mom and/or Dad and to be sure they are as involved as possible with their children’s care and education.
Clearly, it is our hope to become a part of your child’s extended family system. And over all these 50 plus years that has proven to be true as ‘our kids’ have grown up and brought their children to us. In fact we are honored to have cared for many three generations and in one case four generations of children from the same families. We hope you might join us!