Messiah College: Early Learning Center

Welcome to the Early Learning Center!

Special Events

The Early Learning Center provides full day childcare for Messiah College employee and student families and half-day pre-school programs for both employee and student families and the community. To begin exploring the exciting opportunities at the Early Learning Center, please click on the Child Care or Lab School links as appropriate.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Messiah College Early Learning Center is to provide quality early childhood programming to children and families while serving as a training site for pre-service educators and social science students. The Early Learning Center is dedicated to providing both experiential learning and research opportunities to students and professionals.

Program Philosophy
The Early Learning Center staff believe that children should be provided with nurturing care, learning experiences, positive encouragement, and opportunities for growth. Recognizing that each child develops on an individual basis with varying developmental needs, children enrolled at the Center are provided with learning experiences that are designed to meet their needs in all areas of development – social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual. Children are cared for in an environment where Christian teachers and program components emphasize and model strong values and moral development.

We believe that children are happiest and most excited about learning when they are a part of a child-centered environment; one where a balance between structure and flexibility exists. This means that your child’s interests and individual needs shape instructional decisions. Our classrooms are family grouped, which allows children the opportunity to support, care for, and learn from one another, regardless of age or ability.

What Makes Us Unique?

Experienced and caring professionals who broaden their education through staff development and training.
Literature rich environment including classroom and family resource libraries.
Opportunities for involvement with professors and students in Messiah College courses (Early Childhood, Child Development and Nutrition courses).
Student teaching, volunteer, and work-study programs for Messiah College students.
Access to campus facilities and grounds for special events.
National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation.