The West Haven Community House Early Learning Center is a full-day preschool program that builds the fundamental skills for productive and successful future learning.

The mission of the Early Learning Center is to provide a nurturing, educational, and secure environment for young children.  Our program provides a child-centered community where children participate in learning experiences to develop the whole child with dedicated teachers who make the difference.

Our philosophy is to offer developmentally appropriate programs, each with individual curricula, lesson planning, and classroom design specifically for preschool children.

Children should receive caring and interactive guidance from fully present teachers who practice intentional teaching methods.  Teachers shall foster positive, meaningful relationships with both children and their families.  Children shall be supported in developing the ability to strengthen personal and social, physical, cognitive development, and creative expression in a community of early care and education professionals.

Children will enjoy our large classroom space that offers state of the art learning stations and our Learning Tree library area that is warm and welcoming. The center is well lit with natural light coming from large windows. Our classroom is built for 20 students with two teachers. Outdoors we will have a separate, secure playground with new equipment that will allow children to learn and explore in a naturally, shaded area.

We offer fun individual and group activities, free time, and meaningful learning experiences in a safe and creative atmosphere encouraging personal growth and social interaction. The program is committed to providing quality care that facilitates the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children, stressing the importance of individuality, choice and autonomy.

Play-based learning prioritizes child-led exploration. Young children learn best when they are actively engaged and experimenting with their environment.

• Focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving
• Child-initiated discovery with flexible routines
• Measures success through trial, error, and persistence
• Integrates skills naturally (e.g., counting blocks)

Teachers are fully trained and will dedicate themselves to education of your child. We have carefully selected a classroom environment that is appropriate for their age. Classrooms are built to encourage your child’s curiosity and learning.

Children will discover on a daily basis whatever interests them throughout the many play stations in the classroom. Our licensed center is designed for learning based on the latest research and curriculum in early childhood development.

The ELC has an open admissions policy.  We serve children ages 2.9 to 5, including children from diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds as well as children with special needs or disabilities.  Our nurse consultant is available to meet with families to discuss specific health care needs and train the Early Learning Center employees accordingly.  If an enrolled child has an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the ELC staff will work collaboratively with any professionals associated with the plan to coordinate services.

The program is located in our Upper Lang area of 227 Elm St.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday through Friday: 7:30am to 5:30PM. Children will access the Preschool classroom through a secure entrance located between two playgrounds.

Cost to attend will be $300/weekly. We will accept CT Care 4 Kids

For more information, download our brochure: ELC_FAQ_WEB