Eager to Learn Child Development Program

Our Teachers

Hi, I’m Kellee and I have been in the field of Child Development since 2002. I have taught children ages birth to eight years for 23 years. I am a professor of Child, Family, and Education Studies at East Los Angeles College. I have taught at the collegiate level for 10 years for the Los Angeles Community College District and the Contra Costa Community College District. I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies.

As a mother of 4 children, I struggled to find affordable high-quality care throughout the years. I found it incredibly challenging to be a working mom due to the stresses of finding good child care. So I decided to open my own program and support working moms. It is my desire to see more women confidently entering the workforce and pursuing the career of their dreams without having to worry about child care.

My childhood home (where the program is located) has a bit of a special place in my heart: I grew up in this home, and when my mother passed away in 2015, I renovated it in hopes of raising my family and opening a premier family child care program.

In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, watching sports (especially the Rams and the Dodgers, and spending time with family.

Philosophy

At Eager to Learn Child Development Center, we support the development of the whole child (physically, mentally, creatively, socially, and emotionally) through a play-based, child-centered program. We believe children are active participants in their learning and learn naturally through play. Children who matriculate through our program will be well prepared to enter into Kindergarten.

Location

Our program is located in Leimert Park, a quiet residential community. We live in a historic, family-oriented neighborhood with tree-lined streets. We are located close to the new Crenshaw/LAX metro line and 10 freeway for easy drop offs and pickups.

Our indoor space is warm and inviting, with lots of natural light and room to move about. The children spend time outdoors every day in our spacious private backyard with lovely pavers and artificial turf. Eager to Learn is a child’s happy place and a parent’s dream.

About our program

As a parent, I know the challenge of finding trustworthy high-quality child care and I am passionate about providing this for parents like myself. We have created a child-centered environment where the children’s needs and interests are our top priority. Our program focuses on the development of the ‘whole child’ by allowing for natural exploration through play. Children should be able to learn at their own pace according to what interests them.

We believe children should have as much free choice time as possible. This allows for free exploration of the environment according to each child’s interests and needs. A rigid schedule does not allow for an individualized curriculum. Some of the materials we have include blocks, manipulatives (e.g. Legos), paint and painting tools, an easel, puzzles, shape sorters, and a light table with science materials. Outdoors we have a playhouse for dramatic play, a reading nook, mud kitchen, water table, tricycles, scooters, tunnel, giant Legos, and more.

We believe children should be allowed to express their full range of emotions as a means to learn how to cope with their feelings. Behavior must be understood and never labeled.

The children in our program are encouraged to treat each other with respect and build positive relationships with peers and teachers in their environment.

Qualified staff and teaching philosophy

Our staff are highly trained, educated, and experienced. I like to make myself fully available to children by being present and engaged throughout the day, leaving busy work to be completed when children are not present. I enjoy being a scaffold to children’s learning and development. I accept each child for who they are regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or disability. I like to be very hands-on with children, guiding and supporting them but not being too intrusive in their play and exploration. I believe the child is the leader on the educational journey and the teacher is the guide.

Parent communication

We believe parents are the first and most important teachers in children’s lives. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education and development. Our open door policy invites parents to drop in at anytime during business hours to spend time with their child or to simply observe the program. We send out a monthly newsletter highlighting general child development information, ideas, and suggestions for things parents can do at home to support their child’s development. The newsletter also serves to educate parents about the happenings within the program from month to month.

Meals and nutrition

Mealtime serves both nutritional and educational needs. Our program does not serve beef, pork, candy, soda, punch, or hot dogs. Infants six to twelve months are served meals on individualized plans.

Admissions

Join the Eager to Learn Child Development Program community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Eager to Learn Child Development Program unique. Please schedule a tour or attend an Open House event.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/eager-to-learn-child-development-program-1224/apply – Please note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.