Early Learning Centres

Early learning and child care are critical to children’s healthy development. High quality programs help them grow physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively to reach their full potential.

The PEI Government is investing in the Early Learning and Child Care System to improve access for families, ensure that more spaces are available and increase quality.

Paige MacLaren is director of the Morell & Area Early Learning Centre which provides childcare and education for 40 children. She has a Level 3 ECE and is supervisor certified. She says the demand for qualified educators is tremendous. “There’s a huge shortage of people, especially in rural areas. I’m having to get people in on a contract basis.” She is also working with home-based providers. They are already operating at four children to one educator.

Day Care

Day Care providers offer a variety of experiences for children and their families. They provide safe and healthy environments, a variety of activities and learning opportunities, and share information with parents. They also support professional development for their staff and work collaboratively with other professionals who serve children. They are committed to improving their programs through self-assessment and implementing evidence-based practices. They are working toward Level 4 on Paths to QUALITY, which is the highest quality rating system in Indiana for early learning and child care.

This qualification is designed for learners who work in Early Years/childcare settings and wish to upskill into an Advanced Practitioner role. Entry into this qualification is at the discretion of the Centre, however it is recommended that learners have at least a full level 3 early years/childcare qualification.

At the Day Early Learning State Government Center, your child will be provided with a safe and stimulating environment in downtown Indianapolis. Classrooms are spacious and equipped with play areas that encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Staff members are highly trained in child development and have passed a background check.

The Day Early Learning team focuses on building trusting relationships with families and teachers and empowering educators to be their best. Educators spend multiple years with the same children, allowing them to deepen their understanding of each child’s strengths and needs.

The Centre’s specialized STEM teachers introduce science, technology, engineering and math concepts into daily activities that allow children to solve, wonder, learn and grow. The staff at the Centre loves to see children’s enthusiasm for learning and strives to provide them with a strong foundation to reach their full potential.

Preschools

Preschools are educational programs that prepare children for school and are operated under public education auspices. They may be custodial in nature (limited to basic care and supervision) or provide compensatory education under special legislation, and may be operated by schools, community organizations, private providers, or by state agencies (often called ‘child development centers’). Preschools differ from day care in that they are half-day programs.

In recent years, many states have adopted comprehensive learning standards and increased access to high quality preschool programs. However, funding and quality vary across states. State policies influence eligibility, the scope and allocation of services and benefits, and the degree to which program goals are aligned with work responsibilities and earnings.

New York City Early Education Centers (ECECs) are a key part of the City’s system and provide High-Quality early learning opportunities to children birth through five. ECECs are community-based organizations that contract with the Department of Education to deliver EarlyLearn, 3-K and Pre-K programs and operate on DOE facilities or in the public schools. ECECs are accredited by Paths to QUALITY at three levels, and all classrooms are evaluated using the ECERS, which measures classroom environments and staff child interactions. The ECERS assessment tool helps educators make continuous improvements to the quality of their program. The ECERS results are reported to families in the child’s portfolio. Parents are encouraged to review the ECERS report with their ECEC teacher and discuss any concerns or questions with the educator. Cache level 3 and Early learning centres