At the Early Childhood Center at Sarah Lawrence College, we believe children are the makers of their own meaning.
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) provides a thoughtful, progressive curriculum for children ages 2 through 6 in preschool and kindergarten. Its programs are modeled on the Sarah Lawrence pedagogy, and it provides a setting for observation and research for Sarah Lawrence College students interested in child development and teaching.
Why choose the Early Childhood Center?
- High adult-to-child ratio
- Progressive education led by teachers knowledgeable in child development and early childhood education, assisted by undergraduate and graduate students studying psychology, education, and child development
- Rich on-campus opportunities for learning and play
- Preschool and kindergarten options
- Named Best Preschool in Westchester 2015 by Westchester Magazine and “A Model Preschool” in Child Magazine’s “Best in Children’s Education” issue
The Early Childhood Center at a Glance
Location
The ECC is located on the Sarah Lawrence College campus in the City of Yonkers, bordering the Village of Bronxville, just north of New York City.
The Center is easily accessible to families in neighboring towns, including Eastchester, Mount Vernon, Tuckahoe, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Hartsdale, Riverdale, the River Towns, and the Upper West Side.
Leadership & Teachers
In addition to the director, the ECC has a staff of five, highly-experienced certified lead teachers. Learn more about our staff»
Fieldwork & Laboratory Environment
Our staff includes Sarah Lawrence students who work at the ECC throughout the school year, under the guidance of the director and lead teachers. As participant observers, students blend into the daily life of the classroom, providing valuable assistance.
Fieldwork for these students is a central feature of undergraduate psychology classes, as well as graduate work in the Art of Teaching, Child Development and Dance Movement Therapy master’s programs.
Adult-to-Child Ratio
The ECC includes a staff of professional teachers as well as undergraduate and graduate student assistants and observers, creating a high adult-to-child ratio.
Junior Kindergarten/Bridge Program
We have added a junior kindergarten/bridge component to our existing 5/6's kindergarten class. Through a blend of play-based and structured learning, the program honors children's natural curiosity and creativity and supports children in tranistioning smoothly to a more structured Kindergarten environment. To be eligible for this program, children must turn 5 by December 1.