Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) - NAEYC Accredited and licensed preschool, kindergarten and child care program located on the campuses of Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame.
Mission ECDC implements early childhood "Best Practices" that foster the children`s healthy social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative development.
ECDC`s active learning environment fosters the development of respect, responsibility, resourcefulness and responsiveness and includes highly qualified teachers, low teacher child ratios, child centered emergent curriculum and collaborations with families.
ECDC is a model program for professional development, college student practicum experiences and research for faculty and students.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IN School
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 291 students
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Early Childhood Develop Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Year Founded
1974
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
291 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Average Class Size
20 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
School Notes
- Located on the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's campuses in South Bend, IN. ECDC is a NAEYC accredited, non-profit early childhood program serving 300 children ages 2 years through kindergarten with a staff of 45 professionals. ECDC at Notre Dame serves approx. 175 children enrolled with a combination of full time and part times schedules, ages 2 through kindergarten in 6 classrooms. ECDC at Saint Mary's serves approx. 125 children enrolled with a combination of full time and part time schedules ages 3 through 5 years in 4 preschool classrooms. Both ECDC programs are housed in bright and welcoming spaces providing state of the art early childhood experiences fostering a love of learning while developing competent, confident learners. ECDC serves diverse populations of families in the Notre Dame, Saint Mary's and South Bend communities. ECDC at Saint Mary's is open to the public while ECDC at Notre Dame only serves families affiliated with the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College. For over 35 years, ECDC has earned its stellar reputation for excellence with a dedicated and skilled group of professional teachers, involved families and college students in a vibrant community. Both ECDC programs offer a summer day camp program rich with recreational activities and natural world learning experiences for children through age ten. For more information, please visit the ECDC website at www.nd.edu/~ ecdcnd or call ECDC-ND at 574-631-3344 or ECDC-SMC at 574-284-4693
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Early Childhood Develop Center often compared to?
Early Childhood Develop Center is often viewed alongside schools like The Montessori Academy At Edison Lakes by visitors of our site.
What sports does Early Childhood Develop Center offer?
Early Childhood Develop Center offers 2 interscholastic sports: Gymnastics and Soccer.
What is Early Childhood Develop Center's ranking?
Early Childhood Develop Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Early Childhood Develop Center?
The application deadline for Early Childhood Develop Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Early Childhood Develop Center. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.