The Early Learning Center at Gateway Community College is accepting applications for children ages 3-5 (pre-K).
- The Early Learning Center at Gateway Community College is a fully licensed nationally accredited lab school for young children. The Center is based upon the concept that each child is an individual and should be able to develop at his or her own pace.
- The Early Learning Center curriculum is concerned with providing hands-on sensory experiences to encourage children to think, analyze problems, and arrive at logical conclusions based on their own experience. The curriculum is centered around the interests, needs and abilities of the individual child.
- The Early Learning Center provides a stimulating learning environment through three classroom models: Child Development, Modified Montessori, and Creative Curriculum.
Instructional Models
Child Development: This program focuses on the development of the whole child. The classroom environment is planned to allow opportunities for exploration and discovery. Learning through play, central themes, and developmentally appropriate activities are provided in a child-centered classroom.
Modified Montessori: This curriculum model is based on the theory that sensory-cognitive learning influences affective development. This approach is individualized and the child learns about the world around him or her by observing, comparing, classifying, and reasoning through the use of self-correcting, didactic Montessori materials.
Diversified Creative Curriculum: This curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that provides the framework for a developmentally appropriate program for preschoolers. The beliefs and theories that guide curriculum development and implementation include an understanding of how children develop physically, socio-emotionally, and intellectually. The teachers are adaptable and flexible.
Weekly Fees (subject to change)
Community: $165 Full-time, $115 M,W,F or $85 T,TH
Students: $115 Full-time, $85 M,W,F or $60 T,TH
To be eligible for the student rates you must be enrolled in Gateway Community College or Southern Connecticut State University for a minimum of three credits. New Haven families may apply for the School Readiness Grant Sliding Fee Scale.
Early Learning Center Hours
The Early Learning Center is open Mondays through Fridays
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided.
Early Learning Center Staff