Early Childhood Education Center General Info

The Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) officially opened its doors on August 26, 1996 as a collaborative venture between the Springfield-Clark Technology Career Center (SCCTC) and Clark State Community College (CSCC). The center was established to be a fully functional early care and education center for children of students, professors, teachers, and the community, and to serve as a lab school for the vocational and college students enrolled in their prospective early childhood programs. The ECEC majors observe and interact with the children as well as complete a portion of their student teaching while in the center.

SCCTC, CSCC, and ECEC operate independently, but join within the four walls of the center to design, demonstrate, and disseminate best practice in the field. Although each is governed by its separate institution, the staff and students of the three entities work together as a team to provide the highest quality education and care in the state of Ohio. This collaborative effort is as unique as the children we serve.

NAEYC Accreditation

In 2005 the ECEC achieved accreditation by the National Association of Education for Young Children. NAEYC Accreditation is a voluntary system by which programs measure themselves against a national set of standards. "The primary gauge of quality has been accreditation by the National Association of Education for Young Children. . . whose seal of approval is regarded as the gold standard by parents, educators, and facilities." (The Wall Street Journal).

Child-Centered

The ECEC provides early care and education that enhances the emotional, social, physical cognitive, and spiritual development of each child and strives to help each child gain confidence and self-esteem while learning to function in a group. We believe that children learn best through play as well as through a structured environment.

Environment

The ECEC consists of nine classrooms, a gross motor room, library/small group area, as well as two outdoor, fenced play areas for children. Children receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Parents are welcome to visit the center at any time and observe and/or participate in room activities.

Philosophy

We value, respect, nurture, educate, and care for children, parents, students and staff while celebrating their uniqueness.

Mission

To provide education to young children, high school and college students through innovative, high quality instructional programming.

Vision

To be a recognized national model in the training of early childhood professionals using a state-of-the-art, accredited, learning facility where break-though practices in support of children and families can be observed and replicated.

Goals

To provide a safe, nurturing environment which allows each child to grow socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, creatively, and spiritually. Early care and education is offered in a licensed and accredited center by a professional team of early childhood educators. A primary goal of ECEC is to provide age-appropriate learning and school-readiness skills to the children we serve. Learning takes place in a child focused environment where exceptional staff-to-child ratios help to ensure quality care.