Early Learning Center (Universal Pre-Kindergarten only or UPK/ELC)

The Early Learning Center (ELC), implemented in 2000, is our Day Care program. Our Day Care program is licensed by the Department of Health and provides pre-school services to a diverse population of children 3 to 5 years old. The Center is staffed with qualified, multicultural, multilingual professionals who plan age appropriate activities for the children to help foster their intellectual, social and emotional growth. Our program is enriched with music, creative arts, dance, educational trips and computer training. In coordination with Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), there are two sets of programs available for children and their families: a UPK-only program, where 4-year olds are given instruction from 8am to 2:30pm; and a UPK/ELC program, where 3- and 4-year olds are given instruction from 8am to 6pm. Both programs leverage the same curriculum from 8am to 2:30pm, but the UPK/ELC children receive enrichment activities from 2:30pm to 6pm.   The programs feature services provided to two different sites within the South Bronx for 219 children. In addition, 40 home-based providers will service an additional 200 children. These providers receive ongoing training, supervision and support from our staff.