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OUR PRINCIPLES
- Provide a safe, nurturing environment where children learn through play.
- Encourage exploration through the use of the five senses (touch, taste, smell, sound, and site).
- Create classroom settings that allow children to freely and comfortably express needs, cultivate self-control, respect for others, and — most importantly — develop a positive self-image.
- Maintain open communication between center staff and families.
CURRICULUM BASED LEARNING
The ELC implements the following specialized curriculum, based on the age and development of each child
United Community’s Early Learning Center (ELC) is a Virginia Quality Certified childcare center that is dedicated to providing curriculum-based childhood education to promote the social and emotional development of every child.
In addition to providing quality childcare, we also participate in the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) — which provides unique services such as Free Vision, Dental, and Medical Screenings for each child. In addition, our tuition is all-inclusive, covering meals, snacks, activities, field trips, and more!
Creative Curriculum
Pre-Kindergarten
The Creative curriculum focuses on objectives for development and learning; specifically in the areas of social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, math, science and technology, social studies, the arts and English language acquisition.
Personalized Portfolio
Every child enrolled in the ELC receives their own special learning portfolio, created by their classroom team. Each child’s portfolio contains an “All About Me” section, anecdotal notes, development assessments, work samples, and photos of your child engaged in activities. The ELC teaching team may share portfolios with parents at any time or during scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences. As each child advances through the ELC program, his/her portfolio will continue to grow, for as long as the child attends the ELC.
Upon graduation from the ELC program, parents get to keep the contents of their child’s portfolio. Children’s portfolios are kept in a secure and locked location which only administrators can access. All personal, enrollment, contact and medical information is kept strictly confidential.
Meet our ELC Director
Ms. Torria Baker
Center Director
Hello, my name is Ms. Torria. I am the Center Director of the United Community Early Learning Center! When I was a child, I was really creative, imaginative, tough, and silly 🤪! I wanted to be a singer and fine artist when I grew up. I decide to work in early childhood education because I saw firsthand how early childhood education can impact the overall development of young children!
My mother has to be the biggest influence in my life! She has always taught me to help others and to be of service to those in need.
My leadership style is hands-on, engaging, fair, and forward-thinking! I engage families by keeping them in the know of all the wonderful and AMAZING things happening at the ELC! Families are the children’s first teachers.
I am always here to support and encourage home and school collaboration! I am very proud to be a part of such an awesome team! I want children and families to always remember that I am truly passionate about the lives, learning, and well-being of the children and families we serve!
My Favorites
- Food: Chicken Alfredo
- Season: Summer
- Movie: Love Jones!
- Book: Burger Boy!
- Color: Blue
- Drink: Caramel Iced Coffee
- Hobby: Painting & Drawing
- Sports Team: Washington Football Team
- Animal: Turtle
Ms. Sindy Umanzor
Assistant Director
Hello, my name is Ms. Sindy. I am the Assistant Director of the United Community Early Learning Center! When I was a child, I was really shy but independent! I wanted to be a flight attendant when I grew up. I decided to work in early childhood education because I see the difference early learning can make in a child’s development! To see children happy, nurtured, and loved makes my days feel amazing.
My leadership style is friendly, engaging, and supportive. I engage families by greeting them with a welcoming smile when they walk through the door. I’m always there to recognize and assist them with their needs.
I am REALLY proud of this program. Our team works extremely hard everyday to ensure a quality early learning experience. I want children and families to remember that I truly care about and love the work we do here at the ELC.
My Favorites
- Food: Seafood
- Season: Summer
- Movie: Moana!
- Book: Guess How Much I Love You!
- Color: Black
- Drink: Pepsi
- Hobby: Reading
- Sports Team: Soccer Barcelona
- Animal: Dogs
The Teachers
Ms. Ana
Infant I
When I was a child I wanted to be a teacher. I decided to go into teaching because I simply love babies.
My biggest influence in my life is my belief in Jesus Christ.
My teaching style is guided through love, respect, and providing a nurturing environment.
In my life, I am most proud of my children. My children always work hard for what they have in life.
I want children and families to always remember that I am a joyful and happy person who truly loves and cares about their children! 😀
My Favorites
Food: Chicken
Season: Summer
Movie: The Notebook
Book: The Bible
Color: White
Drink: Iced Coffee
Hobby: Motorcycles
Sports Team: Barcelona
Animal: Dogs
Ms. Jackie
Infant II
When I was a child, I wanted to be a Police officer. I decided to teach because I learned in high school that I really enjoy working with kids.
My biggest influence in my life is my daughter.
My teaching style is creative and FUN! Families are the child’s 1st teacher. When we work together, the child’s learning and development is truly nurtured.
I am most proud of myself for continuing my education. I am attending college to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education.
I want children and families to remember how much I really love the work I do with children. 😀
My Favorites
Food: Pupusas
Season: Fall
Movie: The Incredibles
Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Color: Pink and Red
Drink: Horchata
Hobby: Listening to Music
Sports Team: Soccer Barcelona
Animal: Pandas
Ms. Pacita
Pre-K I
When I was a child, I wanted to be a nutritionist. I decided to teach because I want to help children learn and grow.
Children that I work with have been my biggest influence in life. They make me happy and I’ve learned to be a better listener because of them.
My teaching style is fun, creative, and I like to offer achievable challenges for learning. I believe teaching children to be honest, respectful, and kind are important qualities in life.
I am most proud of the sharing the many wonderful activities that we do with the children.
I want children and families to always remember that learning can be fun! We can learn much about ourselves through the eyes and imagination of a child.
My Favorites
Food: Chicken and Fish
Season: Spring
Movie: Legal Wife
Book: Good Night Moon
Color: Blue, White, and Pink
Drink: 7Up and Sprite
Hobby: Shopping and Cooking
Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Animal: My dog Rex
Ms. Alberta
Pre-K II
When I was a child, I was energetic and tough and I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I decided to teach because I love to engage in play and seeing children’s smiling faces!
My dad is the biggest influence in my life. He would tell me how great I am with kids and if I love it, I should stick to it.
My teaching style is very nurturing, patient, FUN and child-focused!
I am most proud of the teaching team and watching the children learn and develop with the use of our curriculum.
I want the children and families to always remember that I work hard to ensure their child is developing and kindergarten READY!
My Favorites
Food: Wings
Movie: The kinds!
Book: The Napping House
Color: Blue
Drink: Coffee
Hobby: Bowling and enjoying my grandbabies
Sports Team: 49ers
Animal: Puppies