About Us

The Dr. Charles Smith Jr. Early Childhood Center is a place of growth, learning, and development for young children. From the moment they walk through the door, the children are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. In this nurturing environment, they are encouraged to explore, play, and discover new things every day.

Our philosophy is centered around the belief that children learn best through hands-on experiences and social interactions. Our Preschool and Pre-K classes use The Creative Curriculum; an award-winning, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills. 

Our Kindergarten students work on their literacy skills with the implementation of UFLI, a reading development program focused on assessment, instruction, and intervention for students. Kindergarten students use Investigations, a K-5 mathematics curriculum that supports students in making sense of mathematical ideas and supports teachers in making sense of both mathematics content and student thinking. 

The ECC also places a strong emphasis on building strong relationships with families. Parents are seen as partners in their child's education, and are encouraged to actively participate in their child's learning journey. Regular communication between teachers and parents via ClassDojo  ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. The ECC also offers “parent workshops” throughout the course of the school year to continue to build these partnerships. 

 The staff at the ECC are dedicated to providing a safe and stimulating environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. Dr. Charles Smith Jr Early Childhood Center is more than just a school – it is a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and dreams take flight. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey of discovery and growth. Together, we can nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners. 

Welcome to our vibrant community!