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Philosophy
At Elmer Hammond Child Development Center, we believe that children learn best through play. Our play-based approach fosters creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning by allowing children to explore the world around them in a safe, engaging environment. Through hands-on activities, imaginative play, and guided discovery, we support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. We create a nurturing space where every child is encouraged to grow at their own pace while building meaningful relationships and skills for life.
Location
Elmer Hammond Child Development Center is at 1920 Cass Ave located across the street from the school called Blewett School. Look for the Murphy Park Leasing Office sign and park in the parking lot on the right side of the building.
We’re located on Cass Avenue in St. Louis, just east of Jefferson Avenue.
From Downtown: Head north on Tucker Blvd, turn left on Cass Ave, we’re about 1 mile ahead on the right.
From I-70: Take Exit 249B (Madison St/Cass Ave), turn west on Cass Ave, we’re 0.5 miles ahead on the left.
About our program
Elmer Hammond Child Development Center in St. Louis stands out for its immersive learning approach. Our dedicated team fosters essential life skills through interactive experiences. With a focus on school readiness and emotional growth, we provide top-quality early education in a warm, nurturing environment.
Rhythm of the Day
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6:30-8:00 amArrival & Free Play – Greeting, toys, coloring, reading. Light breakfast for early arrivals.
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8:00-8:30 amBreakfast – Wash hands, eat together, morning chat.
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8:30-9:00 amMorning Circle Time – Greetings, songs, calendar, weather, daily topic.
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9:00-10:00 amLearning Centers / Structured Activities – Art, sensory bin, building, puzzles, dramatic play.
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10:00-10:15 amMorning Snack – Healthy finger foods.
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10:15-11:00 amOutdoor Play / Gross Motor – Playground, walk, ball games, obstacle course.
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11:00-11:30 amThemed Activity or Storytime – Linked to weekly lesson plan.
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11:30-noonLunch Prep & Lunch – Wash hands, set tables, eat together.
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noon-2 pmNap / Rest Time – Quiet nap, soft music or story CDs.
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2:00-2:15 pmWake-Up & Transition – Gentle wake-up, potty breaks, handwashing.
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2:15-2:30 pmAfternoon Snack – Light healthy snack.
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2:30-3:15 pmCreative Play / Crafts – Painting, Play-Doh, seasonal crafts.
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3:15-4:00 pmOutdoor Play or Indoor Movement – Dance party, yoga, games.
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4:00-4:30 pmStorytime & Closing Circle – Recap the day, goodbye song.
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4:30-5:30 pmFree Play & Pick-Up – Puzzles, building toys, quiet play.
Closure Dates
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Jan 25-26New Year's Day
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Jan 25-26Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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May 25-26Memorial Day
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July 25-26Independence Day
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Sept 25-26Labor Day
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Nov 25-26Close early day before Thanksgiving
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Nov 25-26Thanksgiving Day
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Nov 25-26The day after Thanksgiving
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Dec 25-26Christmas eve
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Dec 25-26Christmas Day
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Dec 25-26After Christmas
Admissions
Join the Elmer Hammond Child Development Center community in three easy steps:
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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.
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Tour our program Come see what makes Elmer Hammond Child Development Center unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.
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Submit an Enrollment Application If you’re interested in enrolling, submit an application by selecting Apply to enroll. If this option if not available, you can message the program director.
Please do not apply to enroll until you have set up a tour and visited the program.