Family English Literacy Classes                       Directions

The ECEP is dedicated to providing a child-centered, literacy-rich environment for all children. The curriculum encompasses a variety of resources which include the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Pre-kindergarten, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Kay Albrecht’s Comprehensive Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers and the Language Enrichment Activities Program (LEAP) developed by Nell Carvell at Southern Methodist University. Using a variety of resources allows our students to receive instruction that caters to the individual developmental stages of their lives. For many of these children, VMLC is the only educational opportunity prior to entering elementary school.

Classes
The Infant Class serves 4 to 18 month old children. Focus points include a very nurturing and stimulating environment and the celebration of individual milestones.

The Toddler Class serves children from 19 to 35 months. They have the opportunity to explore and learn with all their senses, while still being nurtured individually.

The Preschool Class serves children three to five years old. They participate in activities that are designed to embrace their curiosity while preparing them for kindergarten. Classes are taught by teams of two teachers, many of whom are current or former students of VMLC. Volunteers assist with instruction and support.

The ECEP is overseen by the Children’s Program Director, who manages all daily aspects, planning and ongoing training and staff development.

Community Collaborations
Through several community collaborations, children are exposed to many new experiences each year. Children have the opportunity to interact with many different community partners including: The Dallas Children’s Theater, KERA, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas Lutheran School, Prevent Blindness Texas, Dallas Fire Department, The University of Texas at Dallas and Greenhill School. Community involvement and public service initiatives not only expose students to the incredible diversity within the Dallas area, but will also help them develop an appreciation for the community in which they live.

Parents and Children Together (PACT)
PACT activities are offered on Fridays throughout the year. They include:
• Curtains up on Literacy introduces children and their families to theater arts while expanding literacy education. By engaging students in the creative process, they develop an appreciation and life-long love of reading and theater, thereby enriching their understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.
• No Boundaries seeks to demonstrate to children and parents concepts that go beyond their current situations. Through field trips and events they are exposed to new experiences that otherwise may not be available due to socioeconomic and language factors.