“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Prov. 22:6 

Mission

We have been dedicated to providing children with quality childcare since 1989. At RABC ELC, your child’s education and well-being is our priority. It is our mission to provide children with an atmosphere of growth and learning in a Christian environment. All of the children and families find the ELC a place of warmth, acceptance, love and learning.

Curriculum

We use the High Scope Curriculum http://www.highscope.org The curriculum is based on the belief that children learn best through “active learning,” direct hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Throughout the day, your child will be experiencing several key experiences (link) that foster developmentally important skills and abilities. Your child will enjoy getting his hands dirty with play-doh, paint and shaving crème. He will enjoy weekly events such as library, chapel and our in house music program.  The children’s daily experience includes activities that help children learn about the world while growing in self-confidence, independence and a love for God and fellow man.

Christian values

Christian values are instilled through Bible stories, songs and verses and most importantly, loving Christian role models. It is our desire to not only teach the children Bible stories, but to build in them a desire to help their fellow man. Our pre-kindergarten class visits the nursing home every month for singing, crafts and fellowship. Our 4-year olds visit a day program for mentally challenged individuals on a monthly basis. During Christmas time, each class makes cards and gifts for those who are in the hospital or nursing home to share the love of Jesus as we celebrate His birthday. Every day, we encourage our children to speak kindly to their friends, use manners and to help their friends when they are sad.

Philosophy

Our philosophy includes providing a developmentally appropriate environment set in an atmosphere of consistent and affectionate care for each child. We endeavor to promote growth in all aspects of each child’s spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social and physical development. We offer support for parents through family education and always value and encourage communication between parents and staff.

Enrollment

There is a diverse group of children who attend the ELC. Many are children of teachers from the area school districts, others are neighborhood children, others are children whose parents work in the downtown area and still others are church members.

Hours of Operation

We are open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday year round.  Shorter times may be available in the infant/toddler program.

Programs and fees

We offer a variety of programs such as:

• A five-day program for infant ages 6 weeks-15 months- $130 per week
• A five-day program for toddlers ages 16 months-2 ½ (entering a preschool class) $110 per week.
• A five-day program for ages 2 1/2 through Pre-kindergarten-$90 per week.
• A three-day program for classes 2 1/2 through Pre-kindergarten-$70 per week.
• A before and after school program for school aged children from five to twelve years old- $50 per week (after school only $45 & before school only $35 & drop in fee $25)
• School age program during school holidays and early dismissals
• Summer Camp for kindergarten to age 12- $85 per week

Special programs

• We are a Department of Social Service approved child care center therefore we accept child care subsidized which may require additional payment.
• Our center is in partnership with Hutcherson Early Learning Center to provide community based inclusion experiences for special needs children.

Licensures and Oversight

• The Early Learning Center has achieved a ****4 Star Quality Rating from the state of the Virginia’s Star Quality Initiative Program.  This was the highest level achieved in 2009. For more information visit http://www.earlychildhood.virginia.gov/quality.shtml and look for our center.
• The ELC is a ministry of Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church. The RABC Early Learning Center Committee supervises the operations of this educational ministry. 
• The ELC is overseen by the Virginia Department of Social Service.  Although we are religious exempt from state licensing we abide by all licensing regulation for the safety of our children.
• We are certified by the Smart Beginnings Community Coalition who oversees our site to ensure we are doing all that we can to help children succeed by the time they enter school.