Early Education
The Elsie Academy’s Early Education program serves infants through Pre-Kindergarten and is thoughtfully designed to build strong academic, social, and spiritual foundations during the most formative years of development. Our structured yet nurturing environment supports early literacy, language development, problem-solving, and independence, preparing students for a confident transition into elementary learning.
Our lead teachers hold Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials or college degrees and are committed to ongoing professional development in education, leadership, and classroom growth. We invest in continuous training to ensure our educators provide consistent, high-quality instruction while fostering warm, responsive classrooms where children feel secure and supported.
As a micro-school, we believe children receive the most meaningful and personalized educational experience when class sizes remain intentionally small. This allows teachers to truly know each child, support individual growth, and create a calm, structured environment where students feel safe, confident, and encouraged to explore and learn.
Through structured learning, guided exploration, and intentional character development, our Early Education program builds confident learners and strong foundations for lifelong success.
INFANT PROGRAM
THE SEEDLINGS CLASSROOM
Ages 3-12 months
Our Seedlings classroom provides a calm, nurturing, and faith-centered environment where infants are cared for with intention, consistency, and warmth during their earliest stage of development. We focus on creating a space where babies feel safe, secure, and deeply supported as they begin to explore the world around them.
Our dedicated teachers lovingly guide each child’s growth through responsive care and developmentally appropriate experiences that support early learning and connection. Throughout the day, infants are gently introduced to language, movement, sensory discovery, and social interaction in ways that feel natural and engaging.
In our infant program, we intentionally support:
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Sensory exploration that helps babies begin understanding the world through sight, sound, and touch
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Early language development through talking, singing, and sound recognition
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Expression through movement, music, and guided interaction
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Physical development as infants strengthen muscles, learn to sit, crawl, and pull up
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A peaceful, engaging environment that encourages curiosity and discovery
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Early exposure to language and foundational learning through intentional routines and experiences
Each day is thoughtfully structured with love, patience, and purpose, ensuring that every child receives attentive care while beginning their journey as confident learners in a safe and supportive environment.
TODDLER 1
THE ROOTS CLASSROOM
Ages 12–18 months
The Roots classroom is our gentle transition space for younger toddlers who are just beginning to walk, communicate more clearly, and explore with greater independence. This stage is foundational for building confidence, language, and emotional security.
In Roots, teachers provide a calm, structured environment that supports:
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Early language expansion through songs, repetition, and conversation
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Gross motor development as toddlers strengthen walking, climbing, and coordination
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Emotional awareness and beginning self-regulation
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Simple directions and classroom routines
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Social development through parallel play and guided interaction
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Early exposure to colors, shapes, and basic concepts
At this stage, structure and reassurance matter. Our teachers guide toddlers with patience and consistency, helping them build independence while feeling safe and supported.
TODDLER 2
THE SPROUTS CLASSROOM
Ages 18–24 months
The Sprouts classroom is designed for older toddlers who are increasingly verbal, social, and ready for more structured learning experiences. Children at this stage begin to understand more complex concepts and develop stronger memory and communication skills.
In Sprouts, students are supported as they grow in:
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Body coordination and confidence in movement
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Emotional regulation and appropriate expression
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Cooperative play and forming early friendships
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Listening skills and following multi-step directions
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Strengthening memory through songs, repetition, and storytelling
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Increased structured learning time with guided activities
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Early recognition of colors, shapes, opposites, and body parts
Sprouts balances structure with exploration, encouraging toddlers to ask questions, express themselves, and develop independence within a safe, faith-centered classroom environment.
Both Roots and Sprouts classrooms are designed to build strong foundations in language, social development, and early academic readiness — preparing each child for continued growth with confidence and joy.
TODDLER 3
THE PETITES CLASSROOM
Ages 2–3 years
Not yet potty trained
The Petites classroom supports one of the most exciting stages of early childhood — when language, independence, and personality begin to flourish. At this age, children are eager to explore, communicate, and make sense of the world around them, and our classrooms are intentionally structured to guide that growth with patience and consistency.
Our teachers create a warm, predictable environment where toddlers feel secure while developing greater independence and confidence. Through repetition, guided instruction, and hands-on experiences, students begin making stronger cognitive connections and expanding their understanding of people, places, and routines.
In the Petites classroom, we intentionally support:
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Continued development of fine and gross motor skills through movement and hands-on activities
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Introduction to potty training in partnership with families
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Language growth by connecting words to people, objects, and experiences
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Emotional development through encouragement, redirection, and consistent routines
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Listening and comprehension skills through one- and two-step directions
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Early exposure to letters, numbers, colors, and shapes through guided learning experiences
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Increased structured learning time balanced with exploration and play
This stage is foundational for building confidence, communication, and readiness for preschool learning. Our goal is to help each child grow in independence while feeling supported, understood, and encouraged every day.
TODDLER 4
THE BLOOMERS CLASSROOM
Ages 3–4 years
Fully potty trained
Welcome to the Bloomers classroom, where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and preschool learning truly begins. At this stage, children are more expressive, socially aware, and eager to learn. Our teachers intentionally partner with families to guide students through this important year of growth as they prepare for Pre-K and kindergarten readiness.
The Bloomers classroom balances structured learning with creativity and exploration, helping students develop independence, strong academic foundations, and positive social habits in a nurturing, faith-centered environment.
In Bloomers, students continue to grow in:
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Storytelling, imaginative play, and creative expression
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Self-care routines such as dressing themselves and building independence
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Structured learning time that builds focus and confidence
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Early reading readiness and foundational literacy skills
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Beginning homework habits and classroom responsibility
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Number recognition and counting through hands-on learning
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Introduction to basic addition and subtraction concepts
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Alphabet recognition and early writing skills, including name writing
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Art, music, and dramatic play to support creativity and communication
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Confidence building, character development, and positive peer relationships
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Community awareness through simple service and classroom responsibility
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Early STEM exploration through guided discovery and problem-solving
The Bloomers classroom is designed to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building the confidence and foundational skills needed for the next stage of learning.
TODDLER 3
KINDERGARTEN PREP
Our Kindergarten program is the beginning of formal elementary learning at The Elsie Academy. This year is designed to strengthen academic foundations while building confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
Students engage in structured literacy and math instruction each day, developing strong reading, writing, and number sense skills. Through small-group instruction and guided practice, teachers ensure students build mastery while also encouraging curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving.
In Kindergarten, students grow in:
- Early reading fluency and comprehension
- Writing development, including sentence formation and journaling
- Strong number sense, basic addition and subtraction
- Listening, communication, and classroom responsibility
- Confidence, independence, and leadership
- Faith-based character development and positive peer relationships
- Hands-on projects and creative exploration that support critical thinking
Our goal is to cultivate confident learners who are academically prepared and emotionally equipped for continued success in elementary school.
Please note that our VPK and non-VPK classrooms maintain the same standard of care. Everyone is eligible for VPK as it is not income-based. Visit www.ELCduval.org to learn more.
THE FLOWERS CLASSROOM
Ages 4 years – 5 years
Our kindergarten preparatory class is designed specifically for our 4- 5-year-olds who are ready to take on an advanced curriculum. This classroom is our last step before graduating from The Elsie Academy’s preschool. We work more intently with your child to make sure they have the skills and resources to move forward. You can expect:
- Learning numbers 1-50
- Basic addition and subtraction
- Alphabet A-Z
- Basic Reading Techniques
- Basic Writing Techniques
- Storytelling
- Name writing
- Enhanced art and dramatics skills
- Confidence and character work
- Community Connection through service activities
- STEM
- Daily homework habits
1st Grade
First Grade at The Elsie Academy builds upon the strong foundation established in Kindergarten and moves students toward greater academic independence and responsibility. This year focuses on strengthening reading fluency, writing skills, mathematical understanding, and critical thinking while continuing to nurture character and leadership.
Students experience a structured academic day balanced with engaging, hands-on learning and opportunities to collaborate, explore, and grow in confidence.
In 1st Grade, students continue to develop:
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Reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
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Paragraph writing, spelling, and written expression
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Addition and subtraction mastery with problem-solving skills
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Critical thinking through science, STEM, and project-based learning
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Organizational skills and classroom responsibility
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Confidence in communication and leadership
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Strong character, integrity, and respect for others
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A growing sense of independence and academic ownership
Our First Grade program prepares students to think critically, communicate clearly, and approach learning with confidence as they continue their elementary journey.
If you are interested in learning about a specific preparatory program, give our team a call today at (904) 619-5590.