Click thumbnail to enlarge                                                 The Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1945 by a group of dedicated parents from the Claremont Congregational Church, now known as Claremont United Church of Christ, who identified a need for a pre-school program that was different than others in the Claremont area.  These parents imagined a preschool where their cooperative efforts could create a stimulating and exciting learning environment for their children.  They created a school where parents could play a direct role in their child’s education!  Today, the Early Childhood Center is one of a handful of Parent Participation preschools in the Claremont area.  We continue to have a very dedicated group of parents who are committed to carrying on the tradition of excellence at ECC. The Early Childhood Center embraces a developmental philosophy of learning, which supports and respects the child as he/she is.  ECC supports the knowledge that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences.  Through the guidance of carefully selected teachers, each child will have the opportunity to explore and enrich his/her world socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually toward optimal growth. School History and Philosophy