We are excited to welcome you to a new and promising school year!

Delaware Early Childhood Center is dedicated to providing high-quality education, services, and support designed to enhance the lives of young children, their families, and the wider community. Delaware Early Childhood Center (DECC) offers a diverse range of programs and services.

• Early Choices – Special education and associated services are offered for three-year-old children experiencing developmental delays, as well as for three- and four-year-old children facing speech delays.

• Preschool Programs –Comprehensive preschool services are offered for children aged three and four, aimed at equipping them for success in kindergarten and future educational endeavors.

• Little Spartans Preschool Program – A comprehensive full-day preschool program is offered for the children of faculty and staff within Lake Forest's School District, as well as for the broader Lake Forest community.

• Parents As Teachers – Home visitors are available to deliver information, support, and encouragement aimed at assisting families in fostering the healthy development of their young children. Services include annual developmental and health screenings, stay-and-play groups, referrals to various community resources, teen groups in collaboration with DAPI at local high schools, and socialization opportunities during evenings and weekends throughout the year.

• New Directions Early Head Start-New Directions Early Head Start-Kent County collaborates with the University of Delaware to offer services to pregnant women and families with children from birth to three years old in the Kent County region through home-based programs. Enrollment for families is determined by income eligibility. Each family is provided with information and support in child development, health (including prenatal care when relevant), and family education and engagement.

• Stand by Me- The program offers financial literacy, coaching, and assistance to families.

The Delaware Early Childhood Center is dedicated to ensuring that the early years are truly unforgettable for both you and your children. For information regarding our various programs, please feel free to call or visit us.

Brandi Short, Administrator Delaware Early Childhood Center "Supporting young individuals with great potential and limitless opportunities each day."