Early Childhood Development Center at Notre Dame (ECDC-ND)

We have openings available for 4 year olds of ND/SMC families for the 2025-26 school year beginning Aug 25th. Contact us for schedule options and a tour!

Program Type
Center
License Number
14110

Basics

Background Check
Yes
Meals
Breakfast and Lunch
Snacks
2 per day
Potty Training
Not Required
Language(s) Supported
English
Pay Schedules
Monthly and Weekly
Subsidized Care
Accepted
Philosophy
Play-based

Our Teachers

ECDC employs degreed teachers. Lead/Co-Lead Teachers have Bachelor or Master’s Degrees in Education or a related degree (e.g., psychology). Associate Teachers have Associate or Bachelor’s Degrees in Education or a related field. Quality in early childhood programs is directly correlated with teachers who have the knowledge, education and skills to teach young children. ECDC teachers understand child development, know how children learn and the most effective curriculum for young children to develop knowledge, skills, attributes and a disposition for learning now and into the future. ECDC teachers are committed to fostering a love of learning in the precious children entrusted to us in addition to fostering friendships and a happy childhood.

Philosophy

The ECDC program seeks to enhance the growth and development of the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum. The curriculum equally fosters cognitive, social, emotional, physical and creative growth through experience-based, hands-on learning activities and play. A central goal is the promotion of each child’s self confidence and love of learning. Learning experiences with peers and teachers encourage the development of the 4R’s: respect, responsibility, resourcefulness and responsiveness. ECDC provides a positive and nurturing environment within which young children thrive. We view ourselves as an extension of each child’s family. As such, we work to develop a genuine partnership with parents. ECDC teachers and staff recognize and celebrate the diversity of our children and families. We are committed to establishing an anti-bias curriculum that supports our multicultural community. ECDC also uses Conscious Discipline, a comprehensive classroom management and social emotional program that creates learning environments where children know, “Yes, I am safe,” and “Yes, I am loved.” From this foundation of safety and caring, children will begin learning how to solve conflicts, manage their emotions and take responsibility for their actions.

Location

ECDC’s program on the University of Notre Dame campus is located at the corner of Bulla and Leahy Roads on the east side of the campus.

About our program

ECDC is a nonprofit early childhood program offering full time and part time enrollment during our school year and summer day camp programs. ECDC at the University of Notre Dame is located at the corner of Bulla and Leahy Roads on the east side of the campus. ECDC-ND enrolls children ages 2 through 6 during the school year and children ages 2 1/2 through 9 during the summer. ECDC-ND is open to members of the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College communities (e.g., faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni/alumnae, employees of Holy Cross Order institutions). The ECDC-ND program is not open to the public.

Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. during the summer).

Full time and part time enrollment schedules are available.

Income-based tuition for ND/SMC employees and students.

Admissions

Visit https://ecdc.nd.edu/how-to-enroll/ for enrollment information.

Have questions about the program?
Message the Program Director directly to learn more.
Program director photo
Kari Alford
Program Director