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Director: Cherrie S. Welch
703-256-8667
elp@annandale-umc.org


AUMC Early Learning Program [ELP] offers classes for children ages 1 to 3 years old, September through May, from 9:30AM to 2:30PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Children may attend one, two, or three days per week.

/files/General photos for pages/NAEYC_Logo.pngAUMC ELP is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC]. This is a prestigious recognition, achieved by only seven percent of early childhood programs nationwide, which demonstrates our commitment to early childhood education. To get an idea of the standards maintained by accredited programs, please visit their website at www.naeyc.org.

Our program is also fully licensed and regulated by the Virginia Department of Social Services. To view the standards required of licensed programs, you can visit   their website at www.dss.virginia.gov.

Philosophy and Objectives:  The ELP philosophy of learning through play, exploration, and experimentation is based on the theory that play is the most effective method of learning for young children. The program gives each child the opportunity to explore, experiment and socialize through a diverse variety of activities. Teachers treat each child with respect and with an understanding of children's unique individual abilities and development. They create classrooms that foster social skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. ELP is designed to provide an atmosphere where children are happyand secure under the guidance of a trained, qualified, and nurturing staff.

Curriculum:  All ELP teachers use The Creative Curriculum as a guideline for writing their lesson plans. This curriculum emphasizes a large variety of experiencial and hands-on activities which are developmentally appropriate for the individual children within each classroom. Children are offerred a variety of experiences daily including art, music, movement, science and discovery, sensory activities, early literacy, early math, manipulative activities, and dramatic play. Learning occurs one-on-one, in large groups, and in small groups.

Staff:  ELP staff members are chosen for their warmth and understanding of children in addition to their education level, early childhood experience, and teaching skills. Lead teachers are degreed. Security checks are performed on each staff member. Hiring practices are non-discriminatory. Continuing education opportunities are required annually and made available for all teachers.

Facility:  Classrooms are safe, clean, and arranged to accommodate children individually as well as in small groups and large groups. Classrooms, as well as outdoor playgrounds, are furnished with equipment that is age-appropriate. 

Classes:  Each classroom maintains a safe and age-appropriate child-to-staff ratio. There is a lead teacher and two assistant teachers in each classroom. Class assignments are based on the ages of the children enrolled. All children will be placed in a developmentally appropriate classroom.

Health and Safety:  ELP is fully licensed and regulated by the Virginia Department of Social Services and is nationally accredited by the NAEYC, and abides by all standards therein.

Fairfax County Health Department regulations require that new and updated health forms and releases be on file for every child by the beginning of each school year.

No child will be released to anyone other than the parent, guardian, or designee unless prior arrangements have been made with the Director and a photo ID is provided.

It is the goal of ELP to keep the spread of germs and illness at a minimum. After an illness, children must be symptom-free for 24 hours prior to returning to classes. Universal sanitary procedures are followed throughout each day in all classrooms.

Due to the high incidence of severe allergies, ELP is a peanut-free facility. Accommodations and special provisions are made for children with allergies. 

Wait List:  A wait list is maintained for all classes and is accommodated throughout the school year as classroom spaces become available. A new waitlist begins at registration time each year.

Open House Tours and Information:            
Open Houses with the Director are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. 
on the following dates: 

  • Tuesday, June 22

2010-2011 Registration Information

 

Full Day Program

For children ages 1-3 years old.

9:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

(in September, new parents may opt to pick up at 12:30 p.m. as children adjust to new program)

9:30 a.m -2:30 p.m. (October through May)


Extended Day Program    

For children enrolled in  Weekday Preschool [WPS] who would like to stay for an early afternoon program.

12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - September through May
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays

*New For 2010! - Late Day Program

For children enrolled in either ELP or WPS who would like to stay for a longer afternoon filled with fun activities.

2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - September through May
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays

Class configurations subject to change at any time based on current enrollment.

Monthly Tuition for 2010-2011:
Tuition is based on an annual tuition rate that is divided into 9 equal payments. Payment is due on the first class day of each month.

Tuition per month:

     • Full Day for 1-3 year olds (9:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.):
         1 Day per Week -  $200
         2 Days per Week - $400
         3 Days per week - $600

     • Extended Day for preschoolers (12:00 p.m -2:30 p.m.):
          1 Day per week -  $104
          2 Days per week - $208
          3 Days per week - $312

     • Late Day for ELP children (2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.):
          1 Day per week -  $165
          2 Days per week - $330
          3 Days per week - $495

     • Late Day for WPS children (2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.):
          1 Day per week -  $125
          2 Days per week - $250
          3 Days per week - $375


Discount:
There is a 15% discount for siblings also enrolled in Early Learning Program.

Registration Fees*
There is a one-time registration fee which is non-refundable.

        Full Day = $100 per family

        Extended Day = *$50 per family

        Late Day = *$30 per family

*This fee is waived if there are already siblings enrolled in the ELP program

Registration Forms:                                                                
You may contact the ELP office to be mailed a registration packet or you may download the PDF registration form  here.

For a specific form please click on the link(s) below.