19824 Sussex Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122  Phone: 216.991.9761  Fax: 216.283.3585

Hours:  7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

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~ planned learning activities appropriate to child's age and development ~

PROGRAM STRENGTHS

Self-Confidence The children are developing a sense of responsibility in helpig themselves by getting out supplies, cleaning up after themselves, dressing themselves, and practicing independent and orderly movement between classrooms, bathrooms, and outdoors.

Effective Verbalizations & Listening Skills The children are learning to verbalize both positive and negative feelings rather than exhibiting antisocial behavior (e.g. biting, hitting).

As they learn to express their own feelings appropriately, they are also becoming more aware of others' feelings. Our teachers promote this learining by listening respectfully to the children, making observations without scolding or shaming, and using clear, direct, and respectful language to communicate. Verbalization and listening are important pre-reading skills.

Cognitive Development The concepts and skills that will be important later on in school have their basis in preschool learning. We help children develop their attention spans and concentration skills, as well as their specific knowledge of colors, letters, and math concepts through games, songs, and experiences.  We do not use worksheets or drills.

Imaginative Play We give much consideration to time and space arrangements that enhance children's natural tendency to engage in imaginative play.  This encourages children to value their fantasy lives wihch are the source of creativity and a valuable pre-reading skill.

Music Teachers have daily music sessions during which the children learn songs and finger plays.  Rhythm band and movement are also included in music sessions.  Creative music/movement classes are held every week for each class.  Preshool children (3-5 year olds) receive weekly Dalcroze-Eurhythmics classes.  Dalcroze is music education through body movement.

Art Because of the importance of art in helping to build a good self-concept and sense of self-esteem, we place a heavy emphasis on art.  We have a whole area in each classroom devoted to art activities, with many supplies always available for use.  These supplies include water colors, chalk, easel painting, clay, crayons, scissors, paste, collage materials, printing materials, finger paints, and tracing forms.  There are special projects provided each day.

Sign Language American Sign Language (ASL) is taught in every classroom weekly.  ECEC teachers participate as well.  Children and teachers learn to express feelings through signing.  Children also learn ASL alphabet, numbers, colors, and food signs.  American Sign Language is a unique opportunity for your child to develop communication skills.

Spanish: Toddlers and preschoolers are taught basic Spanish words and phrases on a weekly basis in an interactive setting.  Research shows that the younger children are exposed to languages, the better the retention.  The children are taught by a former ECEC teacher so we are confident this program is developmentally appropriate for young children.

Collaborations: ECEC is committed to working with other organizations to help serve all families and children.  Our collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (CCBMR/DD) since 1993 in the Ladybug Room has been good both for 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.

General Atmosphere: We have created a happy, warm, secure atmosphere in which we treat children with respect, listen to them, and talk with them.  The continuity of daily routines and the limits we have established adds to their security.  This security, in turn, enables them to become self-motivated learners.  We strive to maintain a balance between small group, large group, and individual activities to help the children develop interpersonal skills as well as independent functioning and an awareness of their own individual interests and abilities.