Early Childhood Learning Center

The ECLC serves children of the community and University from the ages of five months to 5 years. We offer a North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten program with before and after care. The ECLC is open year-round from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

About the Center

Established in 1970, the ECLC is a Five-Star rated center operating under the department of the College of Education. Our highly credentialed teachers provide quality mentorship and guidance for college students to prepare them for a career in early childhood education. Over the course of 50 years, we have provided education to thousands of early childhood education majors!

The NC Pre-K program was started in August 2003. Eligibility for this program is as follows: child must be 4 by August 31st of the current year, family gross income and service priority. It is a state-funded, community-based pre-kindergarten program administered by the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. This service is provided at no cost to eligible families. The NC Pre-K program provides a high-quality early childhood learning environment for children with developmental, social, and family risk factors to help ensure their success in school.

We offer safe, nurturing care that supports play, learning, and the work of children while recognizing the strengths, diversity, and uniqueness of all who learn and teach here. Our teachers foster multiple ways of learning and development of skills that will support our children in the future, whether in school or in the world beyond.