Mother's Day Out

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have chosen an early childhood program for your child that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC administers the largest and most widely recognized accreditation system for all types of early childhood programs. AUMC's Early Learning Program has undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. The Criteria can be found on NAEYC's website at naeyc.org/accreditation.

Registration:

Registration is open to the community at large. Alumni families, children who are currently on our Wait List, and families trying to coordinate schedules of siblings in the ELP or WPS programs will be given priority.

You may print and complete the Full Day Program application or the Extended Day Program application online. Completed registration forms are accepted by mail or they may be dropped off at the ELP office along with the registration fee.

The Early Learning Program 2008 - 2009

Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday
September through May
Early Learning Program Classes and Hours:

Full Day Program:
9:30 - 12:45 (September only)
9:30 - 2:30 (October - May)

Extended Day Program:
12:00-2:30 p.m. for 3 and 4 year-old Weekday Preschool Students

The Early Learning Program:
Established in 1970 by the Annandale United Methodist Church, the Early Learning Program (ELP) is a non-profit, non-discriminatory program governed by the Weekday Child Development Committee. The program enrolls children from one to three years old as of September 30 of the enrolled school year. Children who are three years old before October 1 are eligible for the Weekday Preschool. ELP also offers Extended Day classes to three and four year old children who are enrolled in the Weekday Preschool.

Accreditation:
The AUMC Early Learning Program is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation is the mark of a high quality program and indicates that the program is continually striving to provide the best educational opportunities for your child.

Philosophy and Objectives:
The ELP philosophy of "Learning through Exploration " is based on the theory that hands-on discovery 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 in which social skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem are fostered. ELP is designed to provide an atmosphere where children can be motivated, stimulated, happy and secure in the care of trained, qualified and nurturing adults.

Curriculum
ELP teachers us The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers as a guideline for developing their lesson plans. Children are offered a variety of activities daily including art, music, creative movement, story time, etc. In addition, various community leaders such as firefighters and dentists visit the classrooms throughout the year. Lesson plans are posted and always available for review for all classes.

Staff:
ELP staff are members are carefully chosen for their warmth and understanding of children in addition to their education level, early childhood experience, and teaching skills. Hiring practices are non-discriminatory. Continuing education opportunities are required and provided for teachers.

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

Options:
Children may attend one, two or three days per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays. The three-day option is available for all classes. Classroom assignments are for the entire year. Each class maintains a safe and age-appropriate child/staff ration.

Snack & Lunch: A healthy snack and juice will be provided in the morning. Parents should send a nutritious lunch appropriate for the age of their child. Please note that we are a peanut-free school due to the increased amounts of severe childhood peanut allergies.

Health Regulations:
ELP is licensed and inspected by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Fairfax County Health Department. New and updated health forms on each child are required at the beginning of each school year. No child will be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian unless prior arrangements have been made with the Director.

Illness Policy:
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 ELP. Sanitary procedures are followed throughout each day in all classrooms.

Waiting List and Drop-In
Children who are enrolled in the full-day ELP have the option of coming on days they do not normally attend on a drop-in basis when there are absences. The drop-in fee is $45 per day, payable upon arrival. Children who are enrolled in the Weekday Preschool may also visit the Extended Day classes on a drop-in basis. The daily drop-in fee is $35, payable to ELP. Each class maintains a safe and age-appropriate child/staff ratio. Ages are approximate.