ECDC is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation. It is a nonsectarian organization open to all eligible children and families regardless of race, religion, cultural heritage, national origin, political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or disabilities. Toilet Training status is not an eligibility requirement. Its goals are to offer the highest quality early childhood education for children ages two years and nine months through five years and to offer parents information and support on early child development and education.

Philosophy
ECDC has always believed that each child should be treated as an individual and has the opportunity to develop at his or her own pace with our low teacher/child ratios. The classroom environment promotes our philosophy that children learn through play with many independent choices available through the day. We have many self-directed activities as well as large and small group activities. We believe that the process of learning is more important than the product. Children are encouraged and supported by our trained staff as they play and learn. Having our graduates well prepared for kindergarten is an important goal at ECDC.

Goals and Objectives
Our classes are child-centered with activities designed to meet each child's developmental needs. The goal of ECDC is to foster social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth in a nurturing and secure environment. Our program has three different cornerstones:

* Learn Through Play: We believe that all preschool children learn best through play. Each child is treated as an individual and has the opportunity to develop at his or her own pace. Our classroom environment reflects this philosophy with many independent choices available through the day. At ECDC, the process of learning is more important than the product.

* Parent Involvement: The most effective education results from a partnership between parents and teachers. For this reason, ECDC was established in 1977 in Sherborn as a parent cooperative. Parents spend time in the classroom interacting with their child and the teachers. The minimum time requirement is quite modest, between 4 and 7 times per year in the classroom as your child's "guest." There are additional opportunities for parents who are interested, and additional involvement is welcomed.

* Qualified and Committed Staff: Qualified, committed, caring and enthusiastic teachers are the cornerstone of an effective early education program.