What are the Center’s hours?

• Core Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday

• Before Care: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

• After Care: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Note: Extended care requires an additional fee and is subject to current availability.

Are meals included with tuition?

Yes! Full nutrition is included in your tuition. We provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack daily, all freshly prepared on-site by our dedicated full-time cook. As a participant in the USDA’s Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), we take pride in meeting strict nutritional guidelines and high-quality standards.

When is tuition charged?

Standard billing occurs on the 1st of each month. However, we offer an alternative mid-month cycle on the 15th for families who prefer it. You can view our full tuition schedule here.

What is the experience level of your teaching staff?

We are proud of our diverse team, which blends deep expertise with fresh energy:

• Seasoned Veterans: Many of our educators have 25–30+ years of experience, with some dedicated to AELC for nearly three decades.

• Emerging Talent: We also mentor passionate new teachers who choose AELC to launch and grow their careers. This balance of long-term stability and new perspectives creates a vibrant, enriching environment for every student.

How does AELC ensure consistency and support in the classroom?

We prioritize stability in each classroom to help every student thrive. Our approach includes:

• Co-Teaching Model: Every classroom is led by a co-teaching team, ensuring high-quality support and individual attention for every child.

• Dedicated Support Staff: We employ a versatile support team that builds relationships with children across all classrooms. This ensures a seamless, familiar transition and a consistent routine even when a lead teacher is absent.

How does the Center communicate with parents?

We use a multi-channel approach to ensure you are always informed about school events and your child’s daily experiences:

• Procare App: This is our primary tool for daily connection.

  • From Teachers: Receive photos and updates on your child’s activities (frequency varies by age group).

  • From Admin: Real-time alerts for quick reminders and urgent announcements.

• Monthly Newsletter: A digital digest sent at the start of each month covering upcoming events and school-wide news.

• Email: Used for long-form updates, policy changes, or detailed school information.

What kind of disciplinary program does AELC utilize?

At AELC we are continually working to integrate Conscious Discipline into our classrooms. Conscious Discipline is extremely valuable in Early Childhood Education (ECE) because it is a social-emotional learning framework based on brain science, not just a set of behavioral techniques.

Value of Conscious Discipline in ECE

Conscious Discipline is a social-emotional framework rooted in brain science, making it exceptionally valuable in preschool settings.

• Fosters Self-Regulation: It provides children with concrete tools (like S.T.A.R. breathing or a Safe Place) to calm themselves down when upset. This teaches them to choose a composed response rather than reacting impulsively.

• Prioritizes Connection: The model emphasizes building a secure "School Family" connection between the teacher and child, establishing the foundation for cooperation and learning. Discipline is framed as something you teach, not something you do to a child.

• Teaches Conflict Resolution: Teachers utilize conflicts as coaching opportunities, helping children name their feelings and learn problem-solving steps. This fosters early empathy and social understanding.

• Empowers Teachers: It starts by teaching adults Composure, helping teachers manage their own reactions and model the self-regulation skills they want the children to learn.

• Creates Safety: Consistent routines and rituals help young children feel secure, safe, and ready to engage in learning.

Value of Conscious Discipline in ECE

We use Creative Curriculum, an inquiry-based approach that prioritizes active learning over rote memorization. Instead of repetitive drills, our teachers focus on "big ideas," hands-on projects, and activities tailored to each child’s unique passions and developmental needs. Learn more about the benefits of Creative Curriculum.