The Family Connection
Respect of Self ~ Respect of Others ~ Respect of Environment
Shirelle Hicks
Officially a BLUE HEN!
Shirelle Hicks is a Classroom Assistant at the ELC Wilmington in the Looping 3 Class. Enjoy reading Shirelle's journey to completing her degree at UD this past December!

"It all started in 2007 when I was accepted to the University of Delaware majoring in Early Childhood Education. Everything was going well, until I had to take the Praxis Exam, a nationwide exam testing math, reading and writing skills. Testing is a huge challenge for me! Passing the Praxis was a University requirement in order to move forward within the Early Childhood Education program. Due to my many failed attempts of passing the exam by either one or two points and only one more course to complete in order to obtain my degree, I withdrew from the University. Having had met Peg Bradley as an instructor of one of my courses, I turned to her for she was the Director of the Early Learning Center. She offered me a long-term substitute position at the ELC, the position then turned into a full-time teacher assistant. With people such as Kelly Freel, Lynn Worden and Dorit Griffin, they made sure completing my degree was a priority. I enrolled back into school under the major, Human Services, with a concentration in Administration and Family Policy and picking up 10 more classes; however, I am proud to say that with all the hard work I put in, I am finally an official BLUE HEN! "
Safety at the ELC
During the colder months it is easy to want to "run in" and pick up your child from school. Please be mindful that we do not allow parking in front of the buildings. This lane is reserved for emergency vehicles only.

Also, when entering the building, please make sure that your face is visible to the front desk. This will ensure accurate recognition of authorized persons in the building.

Finally, as a courtesy to staff and children, there is no use of cell phones while in the building. This is an opportunity to receive feedback from staff about your child's day as well as a great time to talk with your child. They are excited to see you and want to share their day with you!
Stay Healthy this Season
Every year we are faced with coughs, fevers and sniffles that come along with the change in weather. However, there are some things you can do to make sure you and your loved ones stay as healthy as possible:

  • If your child is showing signs of being sick, please keep them home to ensure a full recovery and to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.

Now is a good time to revisit our illness policy beginning on page 15 of the Family Handbook. Illness Policy

Outdoor Play and Development

Outdoor play is an important part of a child's development. It supports the cognitive, social, physical and emotional well being of each child. At the ELC we will provide opportunities for children to spend time outdoors all year so we ask that all children come dressed appropriately for active, messy play. Except in extreme conditions, children will go outside daily and should be dressed appropriately. Layers and warm outer clothing, including hats, gloves and boots should be provided during cold, wet or snowy weather conditions. For more details regarding our policies please click here to view our Parent Handbook.

We are excited to offer a giving opportunity to further develop our Newark outdoor learning environment. For more information and to donate please click on the link Outdoor Learning Environment.
Research at the ELC

Currently, we have 4 pending research projects scheduled to begin late January/early February. The projects include Communication and Disorders, Nemours Preschool Reading Screener, Spontaneous Musicking and a cutting edge "Smart Wearable System." We are always excited to work with researchers in order to ensure we are doing our part to advance the study of early childhood education.


Fun for the Family!
Each month you will find ideas for spending quality time with your children that also promote a home/school connection. Suggestions may include home activities or events in the UD and surrounding communities. This month we are going to focus on literacy! Here are three winter themed books you may enjoy reading with your child. All of the books are available at the Newark Free Library!

  1. The Mitten, by Jan Britt
  2. The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats
  3. The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, by Shirley Nietzel

Feel free to take a picture reading your favorite book with your child and email it to Kathy Kampe at kkampe@udel.edu. We will print the pictures and hang them in the lobby!

UD Collegiate Figure Skating Team return to Nationals
Mark your calendars for a great family event March 3, 2018 from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Fred Rust Arena. You can bring the entire family to support the UD Figure Skating Team during their Spring Semester Fundraising Show. Money raised will support the team's return to Nationals in Denver, Colorado. They are hoping to secure their 6th National title! Tickets are $5 per person, $3 with a UD ID, all tickets include a public ice session after the show.

For more great family events at the UD Ice Arenas click here.
Early Learning Center Newark
489 Wyoming Road
Newark, Delaware 19716
Phone: 302-831-6205
Fax: 302-831-1829
email: ud-elc@udel.edu
Website: UD ELC
Early Learning Center Wilmington
1218 B Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19716
Phone: 302-654-1420 
Fax: 302-483-1195
Email: ud-elc@udel.edu
Website: UD ELC