The Early Childhood Learning Center at UHMS enrolls a maximum of 54 children, ages 3-5, in three classes. Children enrolled in the Center are guaranteed placement in the K-5 magnet school.

The faculty of the Early Childhood Learning Center consists of three certified early childhood teachers, one serving as a lead teacher or on-site director. Each class is assigned a paraprofessional who assists the classroom teacher with the the day-to-day classroom activities. Additionally, the program serves as a training site for the UofH Early Childhood Education program and accommodates field-work students and interns as well as undergraduate and graduate student teachers from the UofH School of Education program working under the supervision of the teachers.

The Early Childhood Learning Center at UHMS has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children - the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.

The curriculum of the Early Childhood Learning Center has its base in both developmentally appropriate practices and in the Multiple Intelligences theory. The Early Childhood Learning Center will provide a stimulating, enriched environment within which children can grow and develop both intellectually and affectively. This environment will help children:

• Be independent
• Explore their intelligences
• Develop positive self-esteem
• Acquire problem-solving skills
• Use their creativity
• Develop their social, physical and communication skills

Children are exposed to a variety of "hands-on" discovery activities and materials on a daily basis within a thematic focus and in a developmentally appropriate environment. The children have the opportunity to make choices and are guided in their decision-making by the faculty.

The children's peer group includes those from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities. They will have many opportunities throughout the day to practice and refine their interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences.