Early Education Center

The Early Education Center at ECH (EEC) offers licensed, accredited care to children ages six weeks to six years old through Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Certified teachers lead all classrooms in an age-appropriate, creative curriculum that allows the children to explore topics in which they show interest and build on their natural enthusiasm for learning. Teachers incorporate basic learning skills into all topics introduced, such as color awareness, counting, and numbers and letters.

A partnership with the Special School District and the Normandy School District allows all children at the Center to be screened for Individual Education Plans (IEPs), which provide additional services such as speech, and occupational or physical therapy. Teachers at EEC follow the Teacher’s Strategies Method, an assessment tool that allows teachers to know where the children are in the learning process and what skills they still need for Kindergarten readiness.

Center classrooms are inviting and filled with developmentally-appropriate toys, books, and furniture. A wonderful outdoor playground includes riding toys, a sand box, and a garden.

The EEC has two Early Head Start classrooms and two Head Start classrooms. Early Head Start classrooms are for children ages six weeks to three years old and maintain a teacher student ratio of 4:1. Head Start classrooms are for children ages three to six years old and maintain an 8:1 ratio. Center hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hot breakfast and lunch plus snacks are offered throughout the day.

Fees can vary in the Head Start classrooms.  The cost of care in the Early Head Start classrooms is free, but parents must meet the criteria for Early Head Start. Basic documents needed for the Early Head Start and Head Start are:

  • Income statements and W2
  • Birth certificate of the child(ren) enrolling
  • Immunization records
  • Insurance cards (if available)
  • Physical with blood work
  • Dental check-up for children over one year old

Click here to complete an online application for the Head Start/Early Head Start Program through the YWCA.

Enrollment Contact: Valorie Holden, Director, vholden@everychildshope.org 314-427-5358