Our Program
EC3 is an exceptional place for young children. The center’s play-based curriculum targets the developmental characteristics and needs of children, and focuses on the maintenance of an open, supportive relationship with the family. Our program is designed to provide individual and group experiences that enhance the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of each child while appreciating the interconnectedness of the developmental areas and the rapid changes that take place during the first five years.
Advantages
- Nurturing, family-friendly atmosphere
- Low child-to-teacher ratios
- Small class sizes
- Highly-trained child development staff
- Safe, secure environment
- Play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
- Recipient of Governor’s Quality Care Award
About Accreditation
The primary gauge of quality has been accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children… whose seal of approval is regarded as the gold standard by parents, educators and facilities. –The Wall Street Journal, March 24, 2006
Accreditation through the NAEYC is a voluntary process which helps families identify high-quality child development programs. Accreditation takes into account the curriculum, philosophy, physical environment, class size, teacher qualifications, and relationships with families that a center provides, among other things.
EC3 is proud to be one of the few accredited programs in mid-Michigan.
Ratios
The Educational Child Care Center, Inc. (EC3), a full service center for the children of the Lansing community, is designed to provide exemplary child care for children of working families. EC3 is intended to be a model program and as such, strives to be a "state of the art" center.
Small group size. Each classroom has two teachers and maintains teacher-student ratios that are better than state licensing requirements.
| Age Group | EC3 Ratio | State Liscensing Ratios |
|---|---|---|
| State Liscensing Requirements: | National Child Care Information | |
| Infant | 1:3.5 | 1:4 |
| Toddler | 1:4 | 1:4 |
| Early preschool (2.5—3.5) | 1:7 | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3—4) | 1:8 | 1:10 |
| Multi-age preschool (3—5) | 1:9 | 1:10 |
| Pre-Kindergarten(4—5) | 1:9 | 1:12 |
Rates
Full time tuition rates are as follows. Please contact EC3 at 517-485-6825 to inquire about part-time rates and availability.
| Age Group | Weekly Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Application: | http://ec3kids.org/files/#application | |
| Infant Care | $229 | |
| Toddler Care | $214 | |
| Preschool | $180 | |
To reserve a space at the center, fill out an application, and submit it along with a $30 registration fee. Payment of one week's tuition is required to reserve a space at the center.
The Facilities
EC3 offers eleven age-specific classrooms, an indoor gym for all ages, plus a toddler-specific play place. We boast three playgrounds tailored specifically to the different needs of preschool children, toddlers, and infants. Entry to the facility is password-protected for safety. We are convenient to downtown Lansing, and an easy hop onto I-496.
Admissions Policy
Children are admitted to the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Children are accepted for full-time care, or part-time care when available. A "care share" policy allows two children within the same age group to share a full time space. Contingent on enrollment patterns, a limited number of part time spaces may be available. Enrollment is for a minimum of two days per week.
EC3 is open to all, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or national origin.