The Hocking College Early Learning Center (ELC) was created in response to the needs of Hocking College students. In the 1990s, Tri County Community Action Agency operated a Head Start branch on the Hocking College campus. When Head Start vacated, the building became available. The life of the Early Learning Center began in the year 2000. The College upgraded the building and made it handicapped accessible. The Early Learning Center has become a valued service for Hocking College, as well as the community.

Mission

Hocking College Early Learning Center's mission is to partner with parents, educators and those in the community who have a genuine desire to contribute to the healthy growth and development of young children into life-long learners. Our program promotes the physical, intellectual, language and emotional growth of young children, building self-confidence and a desire to learn while teaching skills necessary for success in future educational settings. It is our belief that every child can learn and will learn with creative and passionate teachers. An essential factor is the relationship between the teacher and the child. Our aim is to cherish each child's individualism and gifts. We feel that we must prepare each child for victory in school and in life.

It is the goal of the teachers at Hocking College Early Learning Center to provide a safe, nurturing, hands-on learning environment for young children. We are here to provide the parents with access to affordable, high quality campus-based childcare. Our infant room balances developmentally appropriate learning and a nurturing environment with a college-educated teacher. Be warned giggles and coos are mandatory. Our toddler room offers nurturing and discovery in a safe environment led by a college-educated teacher. Sticky hands and smiles are common. Our PreK room is a balance between cherishing childhood and preparing children for school with a college-educated teacher. Your child will learn while having fun.

Staff

All teachers have at least an associate's degrees in Early Childhood Education. Each staff member is certified in adult, infant and child CPR, first aid, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens and child abuse recognition. To ensure the children's safety, all staff members are required to go through criminal background checks.

Licensing and Accreditation

The Hocking College Early Learning Center is licensed by the State of Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Our center has been proudly rated as a superior childcare/preschool center as determined by our earning two stars in Step Up To Quality, Ohio's voluntary quality rating system for ODJFS-licensed childcare programs. Step Up To Quality recognizes early care and education programs that exceed quality benchmarks over and above Ohio's licensing standards.

Admissions

Children are accepted for enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. While staff may arrive earlier to prepare their classrooms for the day's activities, they cannot be responsible for children before 7:30 a.m. All children are placed on the waiting list until available openings. Please complete the Hocking College Early Learning Center Enrollment List Form and return to the ELC. Contact us to schedule a guided tour of our facility, or for additional information. Please see our calendar page for more information on our annual schedule.

Click on the links below for more information about ELC admissions:

• Child Enrollment Form
• Medical Statement
• Tuition and Fees
• Diapering Statement
• Parents Block Schedule
• Permission to Photo
• Developmental Screening
• Parent Supervision
• Parent Handbook
• Routine Trip Permission Slip