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Joyful Learning

Through Play

ECC students laughing together

Welcome to the Early Childhood Center!

The early years are a remarkable time, full of wonder, discovery, and growth. In our ECC, we honor that by creating an environment where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and be fully themselves. Every morning, our classrooms come alive with curious minds asking big questions, making new connections, and learning through the joy of play.

Our dedicated team of educators knows each child as an individual. We celebrate their unique strengths, support their development, and work alongside families as partners in this important journey. Together, we lay the foundation not just for academic success, but for the confidence, empathy, and love of learning that will stay with our students for life.

The image shows a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a green jacket, standing in a wooded outdoor setting with trees and foliage in the background.
Christina Torrengo
Early Childhood Principal

ECC at-a-Glance

90

ECC students

2

Teachers per class

The ECC Experience

Homeroom

In ASB's Early Childhood Center, the homeroom is the heart of our youngest learners' experience.

Each day begins with a morning meeting that sets the tone with predictability, connection, and joy. More than just a classroom, it is a warm, nurturing space where children develop independence, build meaningful relationships, and grow the social and emotional foundations that support them throughout their learning journey.

Through play-based activities, exploration centers, and small group projects, homeroom teachers nurture each child's curiosity, language development, and emotional expression. Children are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and discover their own voice in an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Language Development

In the ECC, students are immersed in a rich, English-language environment led by experienced, native English-speaking teachers.

Our approach supports strong comprehension and communication skills through daily conversations, storytelling, songs, and hands-on learning experiences that help children naturally build vocabulary and language confidence.

In addition to English, students participate in Spanish classes three times per week, offering early exposure to the language and culture of our host country. These engaging lessons focus on oral language development through games, songs, and activities that make learning both meaningful and fun. Our goal is to foster a love of language while supporting multilingual awareness and appreciation from an early age.

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Traditions

There are many cherished traditions that bring joy, build community, and create a strong sense of belonging among our youngest learners. 

Here are just a few of our most beloved ECC traditions:

  • Halloween: A celebration featuring costumes, carnival-style games and an ECC concert.
  • La Castanyada: A traditional Catalan autumn festival explored through storytelling, food, and music in Spanish class, connecting children to the cultural roots of their local community.
  • Sharing Breakfast: A Thanksgiving gathering that caps a month of learning about empathy, gratitude, and what it means to care for one another.
  • Carnival: A celebration of creativity, culture, and imagination, where students design original masks and dress in costumes to mark this beloved local tradition.
  • 100 Days of School: A joyful Kindergarten milestone celebrated with a parade, counting games, music, and movement.
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Partnering with Families

for Student Success

two parent volunteers read a story to the PK4 class

We strongly believe in the importance of partnering with families to support our students' confidence, social-emotional development, and overall learning. We offer a variety of ways to get involved, including:

Attending parent presentations and parent-teacher conferences
Serving as a Mystery Reader in your child's class
Leading a Hand in Hand activity with your child's class
Volunteering as a Class Representative with our Parents Association

Inquire/Visit

Contact our Admissions department today to learn more.

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Apply

We accept applications year round.

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