The Yale Law School Early Learning Center

The ELC philosophy is the foundation of all we do — from our interactions with children to our curriculum and our relations with parents. We view childhood as just one segment of a continuing flow of human development. Early childhood is a period of great developmental strides in emotional, physical, social, cognitive, and creative growth. We recognize that learning is always taking place, and that all growth is in spurts, with plateaus in between for integration of new learning. We approach the child as a whole human being, not specifically as a “child.” Our aim is to create a secure and nurturing environment filled with engaging materials, activities, and ideas to enhance all aspects of a child’s development. ELC is an inclusive program, and we collaborate with other professionals regarding any special developmental needs of children.

We believe that children should be able to actively explore and to manipulate materials in their environment. By doing so, children construct their own environment in which they initiate their own activities. At this point, the teacher has an opportunity to understand the child’s present interests and development. The teacher can introduce opportunities to extend and clarify the child’s own ideas and guide the child to the next stage of development. We encourage active problem solving and interchange with peers.

The ELC strives to provide a safe, challenging environment where young children can stretch their physical, emotional, and intellectual development. We work to enhance children’s perceptiveness about the physical and social world surrounding them. We seek to enable children to learn to express themselves through language, art, music, movement, and problem solving. We challenge children to gain a sense of mastery in themselves and their environment, thereby gaining confidence and courage in meeting new challenges. We encourage children to learn to recognize their own needs and desires, and to begin to gain a sense of independence in meeting them. We assist children to learn to respect others and to participate in group activities. Finally, we strive to integrate each child’s experiences with us with their home life.

Our staff are highly dedicated to our small center and have 30+ years of experience in early childhood education.

Amanda Mioline — Head teacher & Director

Suzy Greer-McDowell — Teacher

Jasmine Johnson — Teacher

Sigita Rosen — Teacher Aide

Jackie Johnson — Teacher Aide

Blessing Boateng — Teacher Aide/Substitute

The YLS Early Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or any other school-administered programs.