Quality early childhood education is critical to the development of social, emotional, academic and communication skills. This can be done in a fun and nurturing environment within a program that can benefit your child’s own unique needs. We invite you to learn what makes OLG particularly unique.
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CURRICULUM
A well rounded curriculum is important for the foundation of a child’s academic success and overall development. The OLG Early Learning Center Curriculum strikes a balance between academic learning and play, cognitive and emotional growth, individual attention and group interaction, and structured activities that invoke exploration. At OLG, we recognize that each child is unique and learns in different ways, our focus is not just on academics but on nurturing all aspects of a child’s development – cognitive, physical, social, and emotional. Whether in Preschool or PreK, children are encouraged to interact with the world around them, engage in hands-on activities, and learn at their own pace. This helps in fostering creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It also promotes a love for learning, builds self-esteem, and enhances social skills.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS
Kindergarten readiness matters. It includes exposure to activities that extend far beyond learning the letters of the alphabet or how to hold a crayon. It involves a basic understanding of core subjects as well as acquiring language skills, self-help skills, and social skills kindergartners need going into the larger school community. At OLG, our Pre-K students develop the academic skills they need for the kindergarten classroom and all that is expected within.
WASHINGTON STATE LICENSED
Child care licensing is a type of regulatory activity in which the state authorizes an individual or a group to operate a child care facility. Licensing in early childhood education means the state has thoroughly scrutinized a program or institution to confirm it meets high standards in vital areas, such as staff training, health and safety, facilities and much more. Fully licensed organizations, such as OLG, must consistently demonstrate they’re maintaining, if not exceeding, WA state standards and are dedicated to providing outstanding early childhood education.
TEACHER TO CHILD RATIOS EDUCATORS’ EXPERIENCE
Proper teacher-to-child ratios in early childhood education are crucial for providing quality care and education to a child. At our OLG, our classroom sizes allow our teachers and aides to provide a more individualized attention. In addition, our highly-qualified ELC staff have earned degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields. On average, they have over 15 years of classroom experience and more than 40 years of experience combined.
OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Effective communication between parents creates a bridge between a young child’s home and educational environment, fostering a consistent approach to their development. At OLG, our PreSchool and PreK teachers are in constant communication with parents, sharing information about the child’s behavior, social skills, and learning progress. Together, they can help determine the child’s needs and help hone their strengths. We understand that parents need to reach out wherever they are, and whenever it’s convenient. That’s why we use the platform Brightwheel to communicate with parents. Brightwheel is a comprehensive, user-friendly childcare management software designed to streamline operations and improve communication between childcare centers and families. The portal includes daily care sheets, lesson plans, daily reports, and more. Parents are encouraged to offer feedback on the current curriculum and their child’s development so that our teachers can meet their needs best.
WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
A well-rounded child is developed out of many daily experiences. The most effective early childhood education programs introduce children to a variety of concepts and activities so that they can explore their different interests. The various programs at OLG offer children the opportunity to discover music, social emotional learning, technology, library, Spanish, physical education and art.
ONSITE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Our robust school counseling program is modeled after research-based standards for student success developed by the American School Counselor Association, and is centered around empathy, respect, inclusion, and being a servant leader. Aspects of the OLG school counseling program which are also applied to Early Learning include in-class lessons, group work, and individual counseling sessions.
NUTRITION THROUGH HEALTHY SNACKS
Healthy food plays a crucial role in early childhood education programs. Providing nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day contributes significantly to children’s overall well-being, growth, and cognitive development. At OLG, we provide delicious and nutritious snacks to your child throughout their time with us, guided by a rotating menu to ensure your child gets a variety of fruits or vegetables, grains, dairy and protein.
FLEXIBILITY IN SCHEDULES AND OFFERINGS
Anything can happen, especially in the life of a parent. Flexibility in scheduling is very important in early childhood education settings because it acknowledges and accommodates the diverse needs of modern families. By offering flexible scheduling options, OLG Early Learning Center can better serve families, which makes life easier for children and parents alike. Thus, OLG provides flexible scheduling opportunities for children. Both full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.
DEDICATED SPACES
At OLG, our Preschool and PreK students, are able to enjoy a variety of dedicated learning spaces in addition to their classrooms and Early Learning Center Playground. These spaces include larger Outdoor Areas, our fun “Denini Music Classroom”, our engaging library and technology room, the beautiful OLG Parish Church, as well as the Walmesley Gym & Events Center: a modern and spacious standalone gym & event center.
ANNUAL CLASS SERVICE PROJECT
Our school established a Service Stewardship Program in 2001. The goal was simple; to make giving back to the community a life long activity. From PreSchool through Eighth Grade, all classes have an age-appropriate service activity, rooted in faith and tied to Catholic Social Teaching. Children at ELC partner with our Third Grade class to offer support services to Westside Baby, a local organization dedicated to meet the basic needs of children to promote safety, security and healthy development. Learn more HERE.
INTERACTION WITH GREATER SCHOOL COMMUNITY
At OLG, students from grades Preschool through 8th Grade develop a sense of family with their peers that goes beyond their grade or class. They all become a “family of learners” who support and care for each other. Mixed age Family Groups create a harmonious blend of Preschool, Pre-K, and older students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. This enriching interaction not only dissolves the fear of age differences but forms a cohesive family where everyone contributes to each other’s growth. Through carefully designed shared activities, social skills flourish, creating a nurturing environment that transcends traditional age barriers.
INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Every child has the right to an education and participation in a learning environment. Fostering an inclusive environment helps children develop positive self-images and respect for others among all children. Through inclusivity, people learn to appreciate differences and understand that everyone has unique strengths and abilities. This kind of exposure can lead to empathy and acceptance, essential values for personal and social development. Our Early Learning Center and overall school community closely resembles the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the parish. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is located at the intersection of several very different socio-economic neighborhoods and draws families from all directions. Many families indicate that they choose OLG for its diversity, inclusive and down-to-earth culture, and the strong sense of community.
A COMMUNITY FEEL
Our Lady of Guadalupe School is more than a school. It is a community. A community full of passionate faculty, staff, and students. Our school and Early Learning Center are a ministry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Our students belong to an extended community of parents, teachers, staff and parishioners who share Gospel values and support our students academic goals.
REPUTATION IN THE WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY
Our Lady of Guadalupe School opened its Early Learning Center (ELC) in 2007. Since then, hundreds of children have had a caring, developmentally-appropriate start to their learning journey. It brings us joy to see generations of families grow up in our community and then bring their own children to our programs and events.That is how we preserve the integrity of OLG values while providing a world full of opportunities for the children of the future.
A fantastic childhood school experience sets up your child for a lifetime of excellence. So how do you find the most suitable school program that is capable of giving your student the environment and tools they need to set them on the right path? The best way to get a feel for our school is to visit!
You may start with some virtual tours of our ELC campus…or
Schedule a time to come see us!
Questions?
Call us at (206) 935-0651, email us or submit an Inquiry Form
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Visit our Admissions page to learn about the process or go ahead and create an account to start your application.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School admits students of any race, color or national and ethnic origin to all the rights privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to all students at the school. In the administration of its policies, the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan and athletic and other administered programs.
