About Us
Welcome to Darlington Early Childhood Center – a nurturing and inspiring place for young minds to grow, learn, and explore! Since our founding in 1985, we have been dedicated to providing a safe, warm, and enriching environment where children can develop the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
At DECC, we believe that every child is unique and deserving of individualized care and attention. Our approach is rooted in the belief that early childhood is a critical time for emotional, social, and cognitive development, and we are committed to fostering each child’s curiosity, creativity, and independence.
Our Philosophy
We focus on creating an environment where children feel confident, respected, and supported as they navigate their early years. Our curriculum is designed to encourage exploration, self-expression, and problem-solving, while building essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and socialization. We prioritize play-based learning, as we know that children learn best when they are engaged in meaningful, hands-on activities that spark their imaginations.
Our caring, highly trained staff works closely with each child to understand their needs and strengths, ensuring they receive the attention and guidance they need to thrive. We maintain small class sizes to foster a sense of community and personal connection, and we value building strong partnerships with parents to create a supportive and cohesive learning experience for every child.
Why choose us?
- Experience & Legacy: With over 35 years of experience in early childhood education, we are proud to be a trusted part of the community, guiding children through their first steps in formal learning.
- Qualified Educators: Our teachers are highly trained professionals who are passionate about early childhood development and committed to creating a positive, engaging environment for your child.
- Holistic Approach: We nurture not only academic growth, but also emotional, social, and physical development. Our focus is on developing well-rounded individuals who are confident, curious, and ready to take on the world.
- Safe & Supportive Environment: We prioritize the safety and well-being of every child in our care. Our classrooms are designed to be both welcoming and secure, with age-appropriate resources and equipment that encourage discovery and learning.
Our Commitment
At Darlington Early Childhood Center, we recognize that parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers. We are dedicated to building strong relationships with families and keeping open lines of communication. We believe that when families and educators work together, we can provide the best possible start for your child’s educational journey.
We invite you to join our community of learners and experience the difference that 35+ years of experience, compassion, and dedication can make. Whether you’re new to the area or looking for a preschool that values both tradition and innovation, DECC is here to help your child discover, grow, and flourish.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support the developmental needs of young children while fostering a love of learning. We take a play-based approach that encourages exploration, curiosity, and problem-solving. Our activities are carefully crafted to support each child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth through engaging, hands-on experiences.
The curriculum is organized around key developmental areas: language and literacy, early math concepts, fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional development, and creativity. Through storytelling, music, art, movement, and group activities, children build essential skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. We also integrate nature-based learning, giving children the opportunity to explore the outdoors and develop a connection to the world around them.
Additionally, our program encourages self-confidence and independence, with activities designed to help children develop a sense of responsibility, respect for others, and the ability to make choices. We believe in honoring the diverse needs, interests, and learning styles of each child, tailoring our approach to ensure that every student thrives at their own pace.
