The Early Learning Center

The Early Learning Center is currently accepting applications for infants, toddlers and preschoolers for the 2024-25 academic year. Applications for our waitlist can be submitted throughout the year.

The Center was founded in 1981 and has inhabited its present home since 1988. The present facility was designed with input from staff and parents to meet the needs of children and families.

The Early Learning Center is a unique community composed of varied constituencies: children, parents, teachers, Hampshire College work-study student assistants, Hampshire students, and faculty members who use the center as a laboratory for study. Many visitors come to observe and learn more about the work we do.

The Early Learning Center is dedicated to nurturing a community that honors and is enriched by the contributions of all who play, learn, work, teach, study, and visit it.

The center has the capacity to serve 44 children and their families, with many families who are Hampshire-affiliated. The majority of the other children and families are affiliated with one of the other four colleges in the Five College Consortium. We also welcome families from the local community.

As educators, we have been inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy since 1990, and the schools of Pistoia, Italy since 1998.

Application for Admission

The Early Learning Center is currently accepting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for 2024–25 academic year. Applications for our wait list can be submitted throughout the year.