Ongoing Fundraiser
Play to Learn: Where Partnerships Nurture Nature
Help us reach our goal to provide a new outdoor playspace where all children can explore and connect with nature.
Contributions may qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit.
90%
$274,2000 Raised
Goal: $303,000
Our Vision
We are committed to being a role model in early childhood education in La Plata County. Our mission is to foster a culture of equity and inclusion among families of diverse economic, social, cultural, and racial/ethnic backgrounds, while upholding the highest standards in teaching and staffing practices.
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Our Core Values
Inclusive
We welcome every child, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for families of all backgrounds.
Leaders
We empower children to be empathetic, lead with confidence, fostering independence and a strong sense of self.
Honest
We build trust through transparency, teaching children the importance of truth and integrity.
Curious
We encourage a lifelong love of learning by exploring the world and asking thoughtful questions.
Playful
We believe play is the foundation of learning, making every day an adventure of discovery.
Who We Are
Durango Early Learning Center (DELC) is a non-profit 501(c)3, early childhood center that was founded in 1978. DELC is a year-round program, serving children ages 18 months to 5 years and licensed for 55 students per day. We value all children as individuals and recognize that each child has something special to bring to our community. We believe that the education of young children is a collaborative process, encompassing the child, their family, the school, and the larger community. We put these philosophies into action through learning by:
● Implementing a play-based approach to learning, utilizing daily observations on each child’s interests and developmental needs to inform individualized learning experiences and adaptations to the classroom
environment.
● Getting children ready for kindergarten, and more importantly preparing children to become functioning members of our larger community, is at the core of our social-emotional focus.
● Using a respectful and supportive approach to all aspects of behavior, striving to make connections with children to help them navigate the complicated nature of their emotions and interactions with others.
● Engaging families as active participants in their child’s first formal educational experience and require annual family hours. Families support the school through participation in classroom activities, purchasing of supplies and helping with facility upkeep.
● We cultivate programs to support diversity among our DELC community.