The Early Learning Campus (ELC) currently has 150 children registered for childcare from families affiliated with UofL and residents of the Louisville Scholar House. The hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, close at 5 PM on 3rd Thursdays. The ELC offers competitive rates and year-round care.
There are several elements which make the ELC distinctive including the credentials of the instructional staff. With education levels ranging from Master and Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood Education to CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials, the ELC instructional staff is superior to most child care settings.
The center is licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Regulated Child Care and meets all required teacher pupil ratios. The ELC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
The University of Louisville Early Learning Campus is part of the College of Education and Human Development. The ELC serves as a premiere site for training and observations for education majors from across campus. In addition to opportunities for student teaching for early childhood and education majors, the ELC serves as the place for teachers to learn how to integrate their area of expertise with young children.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at the College of Education and Human Development has outstanding researchers who are active at the ELC. The ELC not only utilizes current research in its design, curriculum and approach to educating young children, but it also generates research that is instrumental in "raising the bar" for quality programming for young children. It is within the mission of the ELC to set standards of excellence for early childhood education as well as act as a resource to reach those standards.
Another distinguishing characteristic of the Early Learning Campus is its partnership between the University of Louisville and the Lousville Scholar House. The ELC serves a highly diverse group of families in terms of education, socioeconomic level and ethnicity. Having such a cohesive yet diverse group as part of the ELC learning community provides an enriched environment that is rare in the child care community.
The ELC goes beyond traditional child care by providing an enriched learning experience that emphasizes an advanced curriculum learning experience. The philosophy of the ELC embraces each and every child's talents, strengths, and needs and employs a curriculum inspired by the innovative and progressive philosophy of Reggio Emilia. The ELC strives to be an exemplary model for other early childhood centers which requires the staff and leadership of the ELC to always remember their primary mission: do what is "right" for the children. While that may seem a relatively simple course of action, it requires the basic needs of children and staff be addressed, and offers a wide array of creative choices for expression and growth in all areas. This approach helps build a foundation for the child and creates a place filled with joy. Such a place is unmistakable in its vitality and enthusiasm.
When a facility is doing what is "right" for kids, a kind of magic permeates the spirit of the space and all who inhabit it. It can be judged to be an exemplary model fulfilling and promoting the growth of all who participate.