Immaculate Conception Catholic School’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) offers both full-time and part-time options (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) to meet the diverse needs of our families. Our ECLC follows the same academic calendar and school hours as our K-8 program, ensuring a seamless transition for children as they grow within our school community. To enroll, children must be 3 years old by August 1st of the enrollment year and be potty-trained.
ECLC Goals & Values
The goal of our ECLC is to provide a nurturing, Christian atmosphere in which children are given the opportunities to:
- Form a Close Relationship with God: We introduce children to the love of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ, laying a strong spiritual foundation.
- Enhance Self-Understanding: We help children develop a positive self-image and an awareness of their unique abilities and worth.
- Promote Cooperative Learning: Through group activities and play, children learn to work harmoniously with their peers.
- Foster Intellectual & Physical Development: Our curriculum is designed to support the cognitive and physical growth of each child.
We are committed to:
- Respecting Each Child’s Dignity and Uniqueness: We recognize and celebrate the individuality of every child.
- Valuing Childhood as a Vital Stage: We appreciate the early years as a crucial period for growth and development.
- Basing Our Work on Child Development Knowledge: Our approach is informed by the latest understanding of how children learn and grow.
- Valuing Children’s Play: Play is essential for learning, allowing children to translate experiences into understanding.
- Supporting Family Ties: We believe in the importance of strong family connections and work to support these bonds.
- Providing Resources for Parents: We assist parents in finding resources to meet their family's needs.
ECLC Curriculum
Our curriculum encompasses a broad range of subjects and activities, encouraging children to learn at their own pace through hands-on materials, songs, and educational workbooks. Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing these learning goals at home.
Religion
- Learn about God’s Love
- Listen to stories of Jesus' life
- Learn Jesus’ teachings to love God and others
Math
- Numerals 1-20
- Counting objects to 20
- One-to-one correspondence
- Sorting by color, shape, size
- Understanding sizes (small, medium, large) and shapes (square, rectangle, circle, triangle, oval, star, heart, diamond)
Literacy
- Alphabet exposure: letter names and sounds
- Recognize, spell, and write their first name
- Correct use of writing instruments
- Comprehension and vocabulary building
- Listening skills
Science
- Explore science tools (magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses)
- Experience the world through nature walks and other explorations
- Plant growth observation
- Observe weather and plant life during each season
- Identify basic colors and explore color mixing
- Explore the world with the five senses
- Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat
Creative Arts
- Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, etc.
- Use a variety of art materials: crayons, tempera paint, watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels
- Experiment with mixing paint colors
- Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum
- Participate in movement songs and dances
- Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms
- Use a variety of children’s instruments
- Participate in dramatic play
- Dramatize familiar stories
- Act out the movements and sounds of animals
Social Skills
- Practice problem-solving skills in social situations
- Share classroom materials with the group
- Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners
- Communicate his/her needs
- Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed, use the restroom independently, zip coat, etc.
- State personal information: first and last name, age, school name, city, state, country
- Explore types of work and workers
- Explore modes of transportation
- Participate in projects to help others in need
Technology
- Use a computer mouse: click, click and drag
- Use the Internet to explore kid-friendly websites
- Use the Promethean Board during large group and center time
Our Early Childhood Learning Center is dedicated to nurturing the whole child, preparing them for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond, within a faith-filled environment that supports their growth and development.
ECLC Uniform
Shirts: ECLC LOGO SHIRTS - Preschool students are required to wear a ROYAL BLUE or GOLD ECLC LOGO T-shirt or long sleeve shirt. White, Royal Blue, Navy, or Gold long sleeve shirts may be worn under the logo t-shirts during cold weather.
*online ordering link is provided to families enrolled in ECLC during the ordering window.
Bottoms: NAVY BLUE - Navy blue bottoms can include, but are not limited to sweatpants, gym shorts, leggings, skirts, skorts, and twill uniform bottoms.
Shoes: TENNIS SHOES (athletic type shoes) – Preschool students need to be able to climb, run, and participate in movement activities daily. NO SANDALS or CROCS.
Girls: Girls may wear NAVY jumpers or skirts with ECLC Logo shirts. Shorts or NAVY or WHITE tights must be worn underneath jumpers or skirts.