Early Learning Center

25 Library Road, Akwesasne, NY 13655
Telephone:518-358-2988

Mission: The mission of the Education Division of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is to promote, support and respect the culturally relevant and academic needs of our community members by empowering life-long learners through quality educational learning opportunities and experiences.

For the children:

To provide trained, qualified staff who offer children ample opportunities to explore and experience the world first hand through activities intended to develop, strengthen and support all developmental areas, in a safe, nurturing environment, while incorporating traditional language and culture to ensure a strong sense of self.

For the families:

To respectfully encourage and support healthy families through education and awareness of community resources

The Early Childhood Development Program is comprised of Head Start and Childcare.The Early Childhood Development Program is striving for excellence by participating in QUALITYstarsNY

Head Start

Head Start is a licensed program which offers children ample opportunities to explore and experience the world first hand through activities intended to develop, strengthen, and support all developmental areas, in a safe, nurturing environment, while incorporating traditional language and culture to ensure a strong sense of self.

The Head Start Program has the capacity to enroll 64 children from three to five years of age. The ratios for Head Start are one staff per seven children with three qualified staff per room.Head Start operates from September through June and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Head Start summer program runs from early July through mid-August.No fee is assessed for participation or enrollment in Head Start and parents can call to find out how to sign up. Bus transportation is also available for children residing on the American side for Head Start.

Childcare

The Child Care Program accommodates infants, toddlers and preschoolers between six weeks to five years of age.The Child Care ratios are by best practice, one staff per three infants, one staff per five toddlers and one staff per seven preschoolers.The program is open year-round, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.The cost is $100 per child per week.Parents must transport their child/children to and from the Child Care facility.

In addition to this facility, parents have the option to choose Home-Based Child Care services.Within the Home-Based Child Care program, parents are able to choose between group or family providers, who are registered with the Early Childhood Development Program.Fees for this program are based on household income.

Curriculum

At ECDP we use the Creative Curriculum in our teachings balancing both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children’s learning styles and building on their strengths and interests. This curricula applies the latest theory and research on best practices in teaching and learning and the content standards developed by states and professional organizations. While keeping the original environmentally-based approach it clearly defines the teacher’s vital role in connecting content, teaching and learning for preschool children.It features goals and objectives linked directly to our valid and reliable assessment instrument.