Early childhood programs accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Academy's Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. We at ECEC feel that being accredited is a very important aspect of our program, validating our philosophy and our continuing process of growth in excellence. A copy of the Criteria can be obtained from the Academy by calling 800.424.2460 or by visiting their website at www.naeyc.org.
Step Up To Quality ECEC has earned the highly coveted Three Star Step Up to Quality Rating. High quality early care and education settings are important because early experiences last a lifetime.
Your child has 1892 days from the day (s)he is born until (s)he enters kindergarten. What happens on this journey lays the foundation for school and life success. A Three Star rated program means that your child is in a program where: * staff/child ratios are lower by at least 2 children in all classrooms * the administrators and all teachers have a credential and/or degree in early childhood education * the administrators and all teaching staff complete 15 hours of specialized training annually * increased administrative supports are provided in the areas of benefits and compensation; this is important because good programs retain good teachers * teachers conduct a developmental screening tool and utilize Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards in their planning ECEC is committed to maintaining this highest possible rating in the State of Ohio. For additional information regarding the Step Up to Quality program, visit their website by clicking here.
Consultation Services To facilitate the best possible supportive services for all our families and staff, the Center is involved in a consultation program in association with Hanna Perkins Center.
A consultant is available at ECEC every week to help with understanding children's behavior, developmental issues, mastery, and to help when difficulties arise in the classroom. When specific concerns develop, the consultant is available to meet in person with families (three times free and then on a sliding scale). The consultant will also meet with parents by phone. (S)he works with staff to help evaluate, provide intervention and make referrals if necessary. If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact one of the Directors.
Our collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (CCBMR/DD) since 1993 in the Ladybug Room has been good for both ECEC children and families and for MR/DD children and families. Integrating special needs children into our classrooms gives everyone a chance to see that differences are not frightening but just differences. ECEC serves children with special needs in all classrooms.
The Ohio Department of Education has created the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) to provide children with educational experiences that will help them enter kindergarten ready for success and meet the child-care needs of working, low-income families. As part of the ELI program, the ECEC's teachers will help your child develop: the love of learning; more complex language skills; reading readiness skills; the ability to play and work well with others; and problem-solving skills.
Cuyahoga County - Childcare Assistance for Working Families - The ECEC participates in the county voucher program, which reduces the amount you pay for childcare (if your household income does not exceed the maximum for your family size).
