Early Learning Center

The Early Learning Center utilizes the MSDE approved Creative Curriculum® in which students learn through creative and active teaching strategies. Creative Curriculum® goes beyond rote learning and focuses on big ideas, interesting projects, and individual students' passions and needs. The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool is based on six fundamental beliefs:

1. The value of play as a vehicle for learning.
2. The importance of helping children to develop social competence.
3. The vital role of the teacher in connecting content and learning.
4. The benefits of building a partnership with families.
5. A belief that all children, including those with special needs, can thrive in an appropriate classroom.
6. The importance of linking curriculum and assessment.

We participate in Maryland EXCELS – a quality rating and improvement system for child care and early education programs that meet nationally recognized quality standards. Children’s first five years lay the foundation for the rest of their lives. These early years have a major impact on how children succeed in kindergarten, in school, and in their lives. Choosing child care and early education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. You will consider the cost, convenience and location of a program, but will you consider the most important factor – quality? Your child deserves to be in a quality environment that engages with families, is sensitive to each child’s individual skills and culture, and promotes a love of learning. Maryland EXCELS helps families find high quality child care and early learning programs that fit theirs and their children’s needs.

In addition to our regular curriculum we offer extra activities throughout the year:

• Monthly Spirit Days
• Scholastic Book Fairs
• Family Fun Nights
• Fall and Spring Field Trips

The Harford Community College Early Learning Center provides a nurturing, caring, safe and developmentally appropriate environment for our children of all abilities. We utilize MSDE curriculum that will ensure that our children are well prepared for the next step in their educational journey. Our goal is to encourage children to develop emotionally and intellectually while gaining a positive self-image. Our teachers, staff, and families will work together to provide a cohesive learning environment. Our teachers and staff support all learning activities that encourage problem solving and critical thinking. We believe that the children should have frequent opportunities to make choices throughout the day based on their interests. Our teachers use positive reinforcement and establish reasonable guidelines in our classrooms.

All children are provided with the same opportunities to engage and interact with their peers and teachers on a daily basis. Our schedule provides the opportunities for teacher-directed activities and child-initiated activities in their primary language. Our family’s social and cultural influences are continuously included in our instruction and will help cultivate an unbiased environment in our classrooms and society. The ELC believes in open communication with our families in order to provide the best outcome for your children.

The Early Learning Center preschool is licensed, and now also accredited, through MSDE/Division of Early Childhood and provides a safe, nurturing environment and academic curriculum for children ages 3-5.

Maryland State Department of Education (MDSE) Accreditation incorporates program standards, indicators and descriptions of best practices for prekindergarten children. Accreditation focuses on the administration, operation and family/community partnerships of classroom-based programs. By pursuing and successfully completing MSDE Accreditation, Harford's programs demonstrate commitment to improving the performance of our services and providing the highest quality programs to your children.

 Laura Hutton, Interim Director 

Laura Hutton is pleased to serve as the Interim Director of the Early Learning Center. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and spent several years teaching 3- to 5-year-olds at the Forbush School. Laura is currently on the faculty at Harford Community College as an Associate Professor of Teacher Education. A lifelong Harford County resident, Laura lives in Havre de Grace with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in her garden and being with her family. 

Alexa Flores, Senior Teacher 

I’m delighted to introduce Ms. Alexa, who is beginning her fifth year at the Early Learning Center! Alexa holds a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications and her 90-hour Child Care Certificate. Originally from Colombia, Alexa has called Harford County home for the past 15 years. As a bilingual mom of two, she brings a warm, family-centered perspective to the classroom. Alexa is passionate about creating a loving, nurturing environment where children can build independence, practice kindness, and learn through hands-on play and exploration. We are so fortunate to have Alexa as part of our Early Learning Center family. 

Mary Block, Lead Teacher 

We are excited to welcome Ms. Mary into her new role as a teacher at the Early Learning Center! After serving as an assistant with us last year, Mary is continuing her journey in early childhood education through a Child Care Apprenticeship Program and furthering her education at Harford Community College. A lifelong Bel Air resident with a background in childcare and an associate’s degree in English, Mary is passionate about nurturing each child’s unique strengths while building confidence, independence, and a love of learning. We are thrilled to see her grow professionally and look forward to all she will bring to our classroom community this year!

Jen Eder, Preschool Director

Jen has been working in the education field for over 23 years. She has worked with the Early Learning Center for the past 9 years, since the ELC started. She enjoys greeting and interacting with the children and families each day. This is an important part of the day for her. She understands the importance of making sure children are loved, nurtured and feel safe each day at preschool.

AGES
Harford's Early Learning Center provides full day preschool for two- to four-year-olds who are toilet trained.

OPTIONS
Full-Time Preschool:  5 days per week, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

FULL DAY SCHEDULE
Full-day students engage in playful learning designed to promote cognitive, social-emotional and physical growth. Instruction in the Maryland Early Learning Standards is woven throughout the day. At the Early Learning Center children learn early literacy, mathematics, and science while developing problem solving and social skills. Activities are designed to foster the ability to work with others while mastering school readiness. In addition to structured lessons, full-day children have the opportunity to play in centers and outside on our newly remodeled playground twice daily. Meals and a rest time are also included.

NOTES:

• All children must be toilet trained.
• Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Breakfast and snack provided. 
• Affordable tuition with discounts for Harford Community College students/staff

AGES
3-Year-Olds:
MON, WED, FRI  |  9–11:45 AM

4-Year-Olds:
MON–FRI  |  9 AM–12 PM

HALF-DAY SCHEDULE
Half-day students engage in playful learning designed to promote cognitive, social-emotional and physical growth. Instruction in the Maryland Early Learning Standards is woven throughout the morning. At the Early Learning Center children learn early literacy, mathematics, and science while developing problem solving and social skills. Activities are designed to foster the ability to work with others while mastering school readiness. In addition to structured lessons, half-day children have the opportunity to play in centers and outside on our newly remodeled playground each day. A morning snack is also included.

NOTE: 

• All children must be toilet trained.
• Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• A snack is provided. 
• Affordable tuition.