Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education Center (ECE) serves the children of teen mothers beginning at 6-weeks-old through pre-k.
Four-Stars on Colorado Shines
The ECE is dedicated to delivering education that surpasses standards for children of teen parents. Our four-star Colorado Shines rating showcases our commitment to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where children thrive in all areas of development.
Affordable Childcare for Families
Finding affordable childcare is a challenge for many families across the U.S. We support teen parents in earning their high school diplomas by offering a free, exceptional learning center located on the same campus as Florence Crittenton High School.
Two-Generation Approach
When multiple generations of teen families are empowered through education and support, they experience better long-term outcomes. Through literacy-based programming and Mommy & Me events, we help families grow together, fostering success and opportunity for both generations.
“Outdoor play is a part of a child’s physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. Children are learning how to share, problem solve, and engage with others while exploring the outdoor environment. Toddler and preschool-age children must be provided with no less than 60 minutes a day of physical gross motor activity, with or without equipment or materials, outdoors or indoors for inclement weather.”
MonaLisa Valenzuela, Director of Early Childhood Education Center
Our Program Includes
Curriculum
- Each classroom follows the principles of Creative Curriculum, fostering learning through play in interest-based environments. This approach encourages meaningful engagement and supports social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.
- Conscious Discipline is integrated to nurture social-emotional development, helping children build strong emotional foundations and self-regulation skills.
Classrooms
Our classrooms are designed to meet the highest standards on the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS). We offer ten classrooms for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K, including seven Early Head Start classrooms in partnership with Clayton Early Learning and Mile High Early Learning.
Playgrounds
The FloCrit campus features three age-appropriate playgrounds for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. “Outdoor play is a part of a child’s physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development,” says MonaLisa Valenzuela, Director of Early Childhood Education Center, “Children are learning how to share, problem solve, and engage with others while exploring the outdoor environment. Toddler and preschool-age children must be provided with no less than 60 minutes a day of physical gross motor activity, with or without equipment or materials, outdoors or indoors for inclement weather.”
Meals
ECE students are served family-style meals to promote healthy eating habits, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks served daily from our scratch kitchen.
Breastfeeding Support
In partnership with our Parent Educator and our ECE health consultant, the ECE offers teen moms resources and support to learn best breastfeeding practices. They can also access a private nursing corner at the Early Childhood Education Center during the day for a comfortable breastfeeding experience.
Family Engagement
Early Intervention
We collaborate on-site with local partners to identify children with developmental delays and assist our young parents in accessing resources and early intervention support.
“When I drop my daughter off every day, I know she is in great hands. She absolutely loves the time she spends with her friends and teachers, where she is continuously learning and growing…I know she is safe and cared for while I’m in school.”
Julie, Class of 2026
Will Your Child 👧🏽 Attend the FloCrit ECE?
If you are enrolling as a student at the high school and your child(ren) will be attending the ECE Center, you must go through our registration process. Contact us to learn more!
