What is an Early Learning Center? BY MADISON VOORHIES PHOTO BY TONODIAZ ON FREEPIK.COM
22 FEBRUARY 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five, according I n the past, childcare often meant dropping off your little one at the neighbor’s house or a local daycare where the primary focus was keeping them safe and entertained. Fast forward 50 years, and the concept of childcare has transformed dramatically. Enter the era of Early Learning Centers (ELCs), where the focus has shifted from simple supervision to fostering young minds through education and development— sometimes starting as early as infancy.
to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, making these formative years a prime opportunity to lay the groundwork for future learning and achievement. Early Learning Centers embrace these pivotal stages by blending structured education with playful exploration, ensuring that young learners are not only prepared for school but also for life. “These teachers truly are the architects of a child’s brain,” says Dr. Paula Polito, Ph.D., owner of Beary Cherry Tree in Metairie. “We are building a strong foundation for the child [who’s] going to
enter kindergarten and the workforce of [tomorrow.]” So, what exactly sets an Early Learning Center apart from the daycare of yesteryear? How do these modern marvels of early education contribute to a child’s growth? And how can parents confirm the levels of safety and professionalism when choosing a center? DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS An Early Learning Center is an educational facility dedicated to nurturing the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children, typically from infancy through
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