Early childhood is a time full of new and exciting things, whether it’s making friends or just exploring the world. The period before children enter kindergarten is when they discover interests and develop habits that may last a lifetime, making it a crucial time for education. The Ladue Early Childhood Center (LECC) and its new expanded pre-K program are focused on making sure the youngest learners are ready to tackle what awaits them in elementary school. Part of the Ladue School District, the tuition-based program offers a wide range of early childhood educational options that help students develop critical skills, engage with peers and, most importantly, find their love for learning.

Participation in a program like LECC can have a tangible impact on students’ academic careers in elementary school and beyond, according to the center’s director, Stacy Carlock, Ed.D. “We know that early education is important for children,” she says. “Research shows that when standardized testing begins in the third grade, children who attend an early childhood program score significantly higher. It’s important that we can reach more families and encourage them to enroll so that children are set up for success in school.”

LECC uses a project construct approach, so education is focused on how children interact with physical and social environments to build upon what they already know. The program also is rooted in providing hands-on experiences through play. “At our center, learning is through play and constructivism,” Carlock explains. “Students take an active role in deciding what they learn, and since the focus is on what they want to explore, they better remember what they learn.” All students experience free play time, art and music classes, gym and outdoor activities, and visits to the library. The fully-accredited center also provides early intervention services for the Ladue School District with specially designed therapy spaces to maximize a child’s potential and abilities.

LECC has full- or half-day pre-kindergarten options for 3- to 5-year-olds four or five days a week, and for students 24 to 36 months old, the preschool program offers the same experiences as the older students three days a week. Before and after care is available if needed. Families also can choose to enroll half-day students in special clubs that explore specific topics. “The clubs are tailored to kids’ interests,” Carlock explains. “Our STEM club offers hands-on experiences to learn about math and science. Through the fine arts club, they can be exposed to art, music and movement. World Voyagers lets them explore different cultures.”

Next year, the Ladue School District will expand its early childhood offerings. Four new classrooms for pre-K students are being constructed at Old Bonhomme and Spoede elementary schools. Registration for all LECC programs is now open and will be available until the start of the new school year or spaces are full. In order to reach more families, there also are scholarships available for both the center and the elementary school classrooms. “We have a fantastic staff that maintains a wonderful, nurturing learning environment,” Carlock says. “We’re excited to be able to welcome new families.”

Ladue Early Childhood Center offers a wide range of early childhood programming. Pictured on the cover: Ladue School District superintendent Jim Wipke, ED.D, LECC 2023 teacher of the year Marybeth Dunn and LECC director Stacy Carlock, ED.D with LECC students For more information or to register, visit ladueschools.net/lecc or call 314.993.5724.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography

Pictured at top: Ladue Early Childhood Center fosters a love of learning in students.
Photo by Tim Parker Photography