It is an honor to serve as a reference for the Early Learning Center (ELC). Our youngest son, Connor, has attended ELC for three years, two years as a preschooler and one year as a remote learner. In all three years, the staff was kind, and the experience was positive.
Preschoolers at ELC are provided with opportunities to develop academic readiness skills and are encouraged to engage in creative play. Thematic units are communicated through monthly newsletters, and parents are provided with comprehensive skill assessments. Classrooms are set up to include areas for creative, manipulative play during the afternoons. When Connor was a preschooler, it was not uncommon to see children running around as Superheroes, building a Lego set or playing hairdresser with their teacher! In addition to the daily routines, Connor enjoyed the field trips, the friendships, the gardening and the animals at ELC. Our family felt a sense of community and enjoyed ELC’s holiday events including Breakfast with Santa and the Trunk or Treat. Connor’s preschool graduation was a very memorable night, and we left teary-eyed but grateful for his two years at ELC.
We had believed that Connor’s preschool graduation marked the end of his time with ELC; however, during the past summer, it became evident that Connor would not be able to return to full-time, in-person first grade. For the better part of the 2020-2021 school year, Connor received supervised remote learning at ELC. The staff consistently ensured that Connor had attended classes and completed all necessary assignments, and flexibility on a monthly basis such that we were able to adjust the amount of time spent at ELC around changes to his school schedule. It is not an exaggeration to say that ELC was a complete godsend during this past year.
Throughout our years at ELC, the staff has been courteous, professional and dedicated. When Connor experienced separation anxiety as a young preschooler, he was calmed by a caring teacher. Connor’s academic progress was carefully tracked by his teachers, and information about strengths and challenges was communicated regularly. During this past unsettling year, we have found the staff at ELC to be a source of comfort, and Connor has particularly enjoyed Mr. Howard!
Half of Connor’s life has been spent at ELC! The early years are particularly formative. We could not have asked for a more ideal school setting for Connor.
Maureen Senzamici