The Harden Early Childhood Center is a place where every activity is a learning experience. The safe, structured and predictable environment gives children a variety of choices.

Developmentally appropriate activities are provided following the guidelines set by the National Association of the Education of Young Children. Children are placed in groups for the year according to their age on September 1.

The six large classrooms were specifically designed for preschool children. Each classroom has a water fountain and restrooms and a variety of relevant learning materials. Activity centers in each room may include Bible, art, music, computer, science, math, blocks, dramatic play, library, and table games. The hands-on curriculum includes units such as Our Backyard (plants, animals and insects that live in Florida), Farms save the Earth (recycling), Ocean Life, My Family, Nutrition, Community Workers, and Families Around the World.

Bible is taught daily in the classroom as well as in chapel where children of all ages enjoy singing and learning to lead songs and prayers. Stories are taught from the Old and New Testament through puppets, storyboards, games, videos and dramatizations.

Reading is important at the Harden Early Childhood Center. Teachers develop a love of learning and reading in the children through special programs like The Florida Alphabet Program, which teaches letter sounds through a variety of interactive activities that children love. In the Author of the Year Program children make costumes or signs about books by a chosen author and march in a parade through campus. Read Across America is an opportunity for older students to read to young children. The CH&BS third grade class comes to our building each year to read to and encourage the HECC students.

If you would like to enroll your child, please download and submit the application (pdf).