Early Learning Center
950 9th Street Park
Campus Box N, PO Box 173361
Denver, CO 80217
Main: 303-556-2400
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Closed: All major holidays
Take a virtual tour of the Early Learning Center!
AELC
The Auraria Early Learning Center (AELC), a 5-star Colorado Shines-rated center, provides full- time programs for children 12-months and independently walking to 5-years-old. The center serves the students, faculty, and staff of the Auraria Campus. On a space-available basis, the center also serves the Denver community. All of the center’s programs are fully licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Emily Nelson
Director
What will you discover at the AELC?
- Highly qualified teachers, educational specialists, and support staff who are experts in the field of early childhood education.
- Full- and part-time programs with healthy meals and snacks included.
- Located conveniently on the Auraria Campus in LoDo.
- Individualized teaching with an emphasis on cultivating children’s sense of wonder and discovery.
- Small classroom setting with a low child-to-teacher ratio.
- Balanced, high-quality curriculum that introduces foundational subjects, including reading & literacy, math, science, and social studies.
- A program that supports and extends social-emotional development with opportunities for self-expression through language, art, and dramatic play.
Learn more about our fun, supportive, and engaging environment. Email Rachel Ruiz to schedule a tour!
Philosophy
The AELC believes children learn through play and discovery. The AELC instills learning by ensuring the environment is rich in developmentally appropriate materials and activities that nurture exploration and growth in physical abilities, language, literacy, cognitive skills, math, science, social studies, the arts, dramatic play, and social-emotional skills.
The AELC Believes in Empowering the Growth of Each Child by:
- Assigning children to primary caregivers and ensuring continuity of care
- Providing warm, attuned interactions between adults and children
- Furnishing well-planned and thought-out daily schedules, transitions, activities, and environments
- Using careful observation and assessment as the basis for communicating and interacting with children, for planning based on the interests and uniqueness of each child, and for fostering communication and connections with families
The AELC Believes in Building Community With Families
Building relationships provides a strong foundation for community, learning, and personal growth. The AELC nurtures relationships by connecting with children, families, and each other on a personal level, and by taking time for reflective practice. Each child, family, and staff member is unique. The AELC respects that uniqueness by listening carefully, communicating clearly, and encouraging partnership.
The AELC Believes in Anti-Bias Education
Families come in different constellations including single parent families, same-sex families, extended families, blended families, two-parent working families, foster families, and adoptive families with a variety of subgroups including racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic. As a core value, the AELC creates a culture where members seek to acknowledge, share, and nurture diversity in the community. The Auraria Early Learning Center is committed to cultivating an anti-bias community. We believe that each family deserves to feel welcomed and included as a member of our center community. We are committed to the inclusion and belonging of different perspectives and establishing a common ground of mutual respect.
Colorado Shines
The Auraria Early Learning Center has been named a Level 5 program, the highest possible rating by Colorado Shines, the state’s quality rating improvement system for licensed child care and preschool programs. Colorado Shines evaluates licensed child care and preschool programs on a scale of 1-5 based on how each organization works to:
- support children’s health and safety
- ensure their early childhood professionals are well-trained and effective
- provide a supportive learning environment that teaches children new skills
- help parents become partners in their child’s learning
- demonstrate strong leadership and business practices
Hours & Schedule
The Auraria Early Learning Center is open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
The ELC is closed on all major holidays, including the day before and after Thanksgiving, and 5 in-service/professional development days each year (specific dates vary). The center is also closed during Winter Break (December 24-January 1) and Spring Break (March 18-22).
To schedule a tour and learn more about what the AELC can offer your child, email Rachel Ruiz.
Prospective Parents
Spaces Are Currently Available at the 5-Star Colorado Shines-rated AELC
The Auraria Early Learning Center (AELC) recognizes the critical role the center plays in providing exceptional care and education for children as our community navigates the everchanging challenges of COVID-19, As a 5-star Colorado Shines-rated center, the AELC continues to offer full-time programs for children 12-months to 5-years-old.
During this time of enhanced concern, the center continues to stay up-to-date with the latest state and local guidelines, licensing requirements, CDPHE, and CDC guidelines regarding safety and well-being. New routines for drop-off and pick-up help ensure health and safety. Each day begins with health screenings and temperature checks for all AELC students and staff.
The number of classrooms and the number of students allowed in each classroom have been reduced significantly. For added safety, children stay in their respective classrooms or on their designated playground area with their classroom teachers and classmates throughout the day. The center adheres to all of the latest guidance for face coverings, handwashing, and frequent disinfection and sanitization.
The AELC offers a balanced, high-quality curriculum that introduces foundational subjects, including reading & literacy, math, science, and social studies. The program supports and extends social-emotional development with opportunities for self-expression through language, art, and dramatic play. Call 303-556-3188 to learn more about the fun, supportive, safe, and engaging environment at the Auraria Early Learning Center.
Please email Rachel Ruiz for more information.
Programs & Curriculum
Our program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs, to foster development of competence in intellectual and social skills and to provide a safe, nurturing environment. Curriculum is developed through extensive assessment, the identification of individual and group goals and the planning of appropriate activities. We have a strong commitment to working with parents and families.
The Auraria Early Learning Center has reviewed information and research on young children for several years. Our curriculum is constantly evolving based on experiences and information available.
AELC has found that the most beneficial aspect for young children is to incorporate a variety of approaches into our curriculum, in order to allow the child to recieve the best education and experience. The combined approaches stimulate the development of young children.
Classrooms are discovery-oriented where children are actively involved in their learning. Every classroom provides extensive opportunities for children to develop conceptual thinking, problem solving, reading, math, and motor skills. The curriculum is designed to challenge and stimulate each child’s sense of imagination, creativity, and understanding of the world.
Self-expression is encouraged through language, art, music, dramatic play, and interaction with teachers and friends.
The AELC enrolls children 1 year old and walking independently through the year before Kindergarten. Children who enroll in our toddler program must be walking independently. Children in our preschool program must be fully potty trained, preschool classrooms are not equipped for diapering.
The classroom capacities are as follows:
- 1-2 year old Toddler classrooms 10 child capacity with 1 teacher: 4 child
- 2-3 year old Toddler classrooms 14 child capacity with 1 teacher: 5 child
- 3-4 year old Younger preschool classrooms 16 child capacity with 1 teacher: 7 child
- 4-5 year old Older preschool classrooms 18 child capacity with 1 teacher: 8 child
Our Older Preschool program consists of children in the year before Kindergarten, children must be 4 by October 1, 2023. (Special consideration is made for children who miss the cutoff)
Children in our Older Preschool classrooms may be eligible UPK or DPP.
The AELC is open year round to children and families Monday-Friday from 8 am- 5pm. Our calendar closely follows the Auraria Campus schedule. We accept enrollment applications from Community College of Denver, CU Denver and MSU students, faculty and staff. We also accept applications from the Denver community.
Enrollment Process
We are currently accepting applications for enrollment on a rolling basis.
If you are interested in applying to the AELC, please complete the online enrollment application(below) and call 303-556-3188 to submit your $50 non-refundable application fee per child.
Enrollment Application Process
The Auraria Early Learning Center serves students/employees and community members, and accepts applications for enrollment on a rolling basis. This means if you choose to submit an application and there is not currently a spot for your child at the AELC, your child’s application will remain active in the pool until:
1. your child is enrolled in our program
2. he or she ages out of the system
3. you request to have your enrollment application removed from the pool
4. you fail to respond to an enrollment offer, or
5. you fail to respond to the AELC’s request for confirmation that you want to keep your
application active in the pool
*We expect adequate communication from potential families and appreciate a prompt 24 hour response to any communications from our office.
Our center will conduct an enrollment window for the Fall, Summer and Spring semester. The window will be as follows:
Spring 2025 Semester families pay the application fee and submit the form below by November 1, 2024. We will notify families of the availability of a spot by November 11, 2024. Children will begin attending January 21, 2025.
Summer 2025 Semester families must pay the application fee and submit the form below by April 1, 2025. We will notify families of the availability of a spot by April 10, 2025. Children will begin attending May 27, 2025.
Fall 2025 Semester families must pay the application fee and submit the form below by July 1, 2025. We will notify families of the availability of a spot by July 10, 2025. Children will begin attending August 18, 2025.
Enrollment applications are reviewed and prioritized based on numerous factors including (but not limited to) Campus affiliation, sibling of current enrollee, age of child, date submitted, and other factors.
Space is limited and enrollment is not guaranteed. In some cases, an enrollment offer may not be extended for 1-3 years due to lack of availability.
Please complete the application below for each individual child you hope to enroll at the ELC. Each child’s application requires a non-refundable $50 application fee per child. Your enrollment application is not considered complete, nor is it considered for enrollment, until the $50 application fee has been submitted. When a spot is confirmed there will be a $100 registration fee due.
Current Parents
Hours & Schedule
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The center will be closed for the following days in the 2023-2024 school year:
- July 3 & 4, 2023
- September 4, 2023
- November 22-24, 2023
- December 25, 2023 -January 1, 2024
- January 22, 2024
- March 18-22, 2024
Professional Development Days (no child contact) for 2023-2024 will be:
- August 18, 2023
- October 20, 2023
- February 2, 2024
- May 3, 2024
- May 24, 2024
Family Handbook
Communication
All communication will be sent via ProCare.
Meals & Menus
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided for all children at no additional cost.
- All meals are nutritious and are served plated.
- Mealtime provides an important learning opportunity for children to gain social graces and exercise self-reliance.
- Menus are developed by the Center’s Chef and alternate through a four-week cycle.
CHEF SAM’S 2024 FALL MENUS
Tuition and fees
To learn more about Auraria Early Learning Center, to discuss tuition and fees or tour the AELC facility please contact: rachel.ruiz@ahec.edu
2024 Fees and Tuition
Community Rates*
- 1-2 Year Old $1,872.50
- 2-3 Year Old $1,701
- 3-5 Year Old $1,540
*Staff and students on campus can qualify for a 15-40% discount based on income. Income guidelines can be found HERE.*
Denver Preschool Program Tuition Credits
The Auraria Early Learning Center participates in the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). DPP supports Denver families by offering tuition credits to increase access to high-quality preschool. Tuition credits are available to families that reside within the City and County of Denver and have a 4-year-old enrolled in a participating preschool program in the year before kindergarten.
Colorado Universal Preschool Program
The Auraria Early Learning Center participates in Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK) this program is for families who live in Colorado and have a preschooler four years of age in their last year before kindergarten may apply to receive funding toward tuition from UPK. For more information, visit https://upk.colorado.gov/
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
CCAP is accepted from the following counties: Jefferson, Adams, Weld, Denver, and Arapahoe. Auraria Campus students registered for at least six credit hours per semester, including summer semester, are eligible to receive CCAP.
The guidelines below must be followed:
- It is the parent’s responsibility to have their caseworker send all contract information to the AELC.
- The AELC must receive a Certificate of Authorization from the County Department of Human Services before a child can attend the center.
- It is the parent’s responsibility to use the ATS (Attendance Tracking System) every day their child attends the center.
As per the CCAP contract, if a child is absent more than three days in a month the family must contact their caseworker. The family will be charged for any times/days for which CCAP does not pay. All parental fees must be received by the 10th of each month or a late fee applies. Families must pay the parental fee assigned by their caseworker.
MSU Denver Grant Subsidy
The MSU Denver Student Affairs Board offers a childcare subsidy program. Student parents enrolled for at least six credit hours at MSU Denver are eligible. Parents enrolled in online classes are not eligible. The subsidy is generally 30-50 percent of reimbursed AELC tuition each semester. This amount may be adjusted if funds are not available for this level of subsidy.
Grants and Community Outreach
The Auraria Early Learning Center relies on grant funding to provide additional support for programs, education, and facility upgrades.
Current Grants
- ECE Circle Grant
- Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation
- The Temple Hoyne Buell Grant will be used to provide Love and Logic classes, a Parenting Safe Children workshop for families and staff, family subsidies, support for the implementation of TS Gold assessment, and educational supplies for the classrooms.
- CCD Childcare Scholarships
- Childcare and Displaced Homemaker (KEYS)
- The KEYS scholarship program provides support and services to displaced homemakers to become self-sufficient.
- Strengthening Working Families Initiative (SWFI)
- The Strengthening Working Families Initiative (SWFI) supports CCD students studying Healthcare, Information Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing by providing gap funding for childcare, as well as assisting with navigating Colorado Shines requirements and completing CCAP/DPP applications, among other supportive services.
- Childcare and Displaced Homemaker (KEYS)
- MSU Denver Subsidy
- You may qualify for a subsidy for childcare tuition through a grant from the MSU Denver Student Affairs Board. Please inquire about this program at the front desk.
- SLPH
- ECE Internships
Outreach
The Auraria Early Learning Center partners with various organizations in the Denver community to provide enrichment and educational programs for the center and the families we serve.
- Foster Grandparent Program
- The Volunteers of America Foster Grandparent Program is a fun and cross-generational program where seniors volunteer at AELC to help care for the children. The mission of the program is to offer seniors the opportunity to use their experience to improve the lives of children. Because many children do not live close to their biological grandparents, our foster grandparents serve as a proxy for the traditional child-grandparent relationship, benefiting all involved.
Student Job Opportunities
Student Employment Opportunities
Do you enjoy working with children? Are you looking for a fun campus job in a creative environment? Would you like a flexible work schedule?
Apply for a part-time student position with the Auraria Early Learning Center.
How to Apply
- Call 303-556-3188 or email Rachel Ruiz for more information
- Download and fill out the application and disclosure form, then email both to Rachel Ruiz.
POSITIONS
ASSISTANT TEACHERS
Assistant Teachers support the Supervising Teacher in carrying out the entire classroom program by helping with the guidance of the children’s development, maintaining a positive classroom environment, and guiding children’s behavior in a positive manner.
- Assist in the planning and organizing of classroom activities as assigned by the Supervising Teacher.
- Participate in the classroom teaching team by working cooperatively with all team members and communicating with all team members.
- Assist in maintaining appropriate records as assigned by the Supervising Teacher.
- Work with parents under the direction of the Supervising Teacher.
- Acts as Supervising Teacher in the absence of the Supervising Teacher.
- Available to work 2-6 p.m.
Qualifications
- Must be ECT or AECT certified.
- Must be Assistant Early Childhood Teacher Certified. (Review qualifications on the Colorado Department of Human Services website.)
- Must be a student enrolled in 6 credit hours of coursework.
TEACHER AIDES
Teacher Aides assist with the overall operation of the classrooms at AELC, supporting the Assistant and Supervising Teachers with instructional activities.
Qualifications
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with children and adults
- Physically able to do light housekeeping tasks efficiently
- Willingness to work within the philosophy of the program
- Must be enrolled in 6 credit hours of coursework
200 hours minimum prior experience with children in a group care setting and one post-high school course in child development preferred, but not required
Full-Time Employment Opportunities
Visit the State of Colorado Job Opportunities website and search “Auraria Early Learning Center”.
Find the AELC on Facebook & Instagram
- Discover the fun and adventurous activities AELC children do during the day
- Learn about upcoming events at the AELC and in the Denver metro area
- Stay informed with links to timely and relevant early childhood development articles
- Discover the fun and adventurous activities AELC children do during the day
Contact Us
Auraria Early Learning Center
950 9th Street Park
PO BOX 173361 | Campus Box N
Denver, Colorado 80217
Email
Emily Nelson, Director
Fax Number
303-556-8173
Current Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm
Auraria Early Learning Staff
Each classroom is staffed by a supervising teacher, assistant teacher, and teacher’s aides. All supervising teachers have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a closely related field, or they are Director Qualified through the State of Colorado. The supervising kindergarten teacher is a fully licensed teacher by the Colorado Department of Education. Assistant teachers are Early Childhood Teacher Certified through the State of Colorado.
Administration
Emily Nelson
Director
Meet Emily
I have been a member of the Auraria Campus and the AELC community for almost 18 years. Starting at the Center in August 2003 as a student employee, I graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2007 and joined the Center full-time, first as a Supervising Teacher in the Toddler Program and then as a Young Preschool Teacher.
As a member of the staff at the AELC, I love our community, the culture, the diversity, my colleagues, and feel like it is exactly where I belong. Throughout my career at the AELC, I have expanded my education, earning my Directors Qualification, married the love of my life, and had two children, both of whom went through the program at the Center. In March 2021, I had the opportunity to lead the place that inspired me to continue the path of early childhood education and became Director of the AELC.
I enjoy cooking and creating new recipes with my husband and kids—we love the kitchen! I also enjoy bringing those I love together by hosting parties and large gatherings, listening to podcasts, crafting, and reading a good book.
Rachel Ruiz
Assistant Director
Meet Rachel
Hi, my name is Rachel Ruiz, and I am the Assistant Director at the AELC. I started at the Center in 2014 as a Supervising Teacher, moved into Operations Coordinator, then Program Coordinator before becoming the Assistant Director. My love for education began at an early age when I first worked as a nanny and eventually started teaching. I received my bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado Denver and then went on to earn a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and in Educational Leadership, both from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working on the Auraria Campus and love our community at the AELC! I am a Colorado native, and enjoy all the mountains have to offer! I love to go camping, fishing, hiking, and bike riding with my family, or staying home and watching a good movie or reading.
Samuel Twining
Chef
Meet Samuel
My name is Samuel Samadhi Twining, and I am the Dietary Chef for the AELC. My personal mission is to provide the highest quality and care for every meal, provide appetizing food, and fulfill the children’s dietary needs. It is my pleasure to continue my culinary career serving the Auraria Campus. Providing home-cooked meals is my part in adding to the enjoyment and learning of each child. I was trained in classical cooking in 1999 and have been a chef in Colorado Springs and Denver. My experiences in the culinary arts have been in single chef-owned restaurants in Old Colorado City to high-capacity restaurants like the Wynkoop Brewery. I also have seven years of experience in dietary cooking, serving the Denver community by working for non-profit assisted living and senior living communities. Growing up in a military family, I spent my childhood in Germany and finished my education in the Southwest. I am married to Carl Meese, who is also an employee for the Auraria Campus. We have a Labrador named Diego, and two cats named Carla and Suzy. When I’m not working, I enjoy my vast collection of records, watching movies, hiking, gardening, as well as traveling—Mexico is my favorite vacation spot.
Toddler Teachers
Carolina Galindo
Supervising Teacher, Room 100
Meet Carolina
Hello! My name is Carolina Galindo and I am the supervising teacher for room 100. I have been working at the AELC for a while now as a teacher aide and ECT. Working here not only has made my love for working with kids grow, but it also helped me learn how to create a safe and welcoming environment for toddlers in a classroom. I got to learn so much along the way working with amazing people here guiding me to where I am now. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, watching sports, traveling, and trying new things.
Alexis Hernandez
Supervising Teacher, Room 104
Meet Alexis
Hello! My name is Alexis Hernandez, and I am the Supervising Teacher in room 104! I recently graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Event and Meeting Management and a minor in Chicano Studies. As an undergrad, I’ve had the privilege of working here at the AELC as a teacher’s aide in the toddler classrooms which helped me in realizing how much I enjoy working with kids. My goal is to create a nurturing and stimulating environment in a classroom filled with curiosity, creativity, and laughter. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, traveling to new places, watching movies, or reading a good book.
Aimee Carbajal
Supervising Teacher, Room 106
Meet Aimee
Hello, my name is Aimee Carbajal. I have been a supervising teacher with the AELC since December 1996 but started my career in early childhood education in 1992. I have loved and appreciated every moment! I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful children, families, and staff. We all work together as a team to create a positive environment and experience for all the children and their families. I began working with children before the age of 12 when I received my Red Cross Babysitting Certification. I have developed a strong passion and great love for working with young children. I have an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and am Director Qualified by the State of Colorado. On a personal note, I am happily married with a young son and daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family and love to watch videos on urban exploration!
Sabrina Barzinjy
Supervising Teacher, Room 112
Meet Sabrina
My name is Sabrina Barzinjy, but you can call me Sabriya! I am the new supervising teacher for Room 112. I am from Kurdistan, and Kurdish is my first language. I’m also fluent in three other languages, including English, Arabic, and Turkish. I am married and have two children. I have been working with kids ages 12 months to 5 years for three years at Auraria Early Learning Center, and before that, I was a middle school teacher in Kurdistan for 19 years. I have a Bachelor of Philosophy, two certificates of Early Childhood Education, and am currently completing my associate degree in Early Childhood Education at CCD.
Meet Stephanie
Hi, my name is Stephanie. I am the Supervising Teacher for Room 108. My journey of early childhood education started in 2000, but my experience in working with children started a few years earlier as a group leader at the YMCA day camp. My college education is a rich mixture of Early Childhood Development that has a focus on Infants and Toddlers, EMT/Paramedic and Biology, and I am Director Qualified by the State of Colorado. Over the years I have worked in many capacities such as Lead Teacher, Infant Nursery Supervisor, and Infant/Toddler Team Lead. I joined the AELC in April 2012 and I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community. My daughter was a student here at the Center, and I credit her love for learning to the wonderful teachers she had from the toddler room all the way through Pre-K. When not at work I enjoy quality time with her and you will find us exploring the outdoors, working in our garden, or enjoying a movie. I love football, hockey, craft beer, and cooking for my friends and family. In my classroom, you will find a warm and loving, safe environment for the children to explore, learn, make mistakes and a few messes along the way. They say the first three years are the most important years to build a foundation for a love of life and learning, and it is my job, in partnership with the families, to be the architect.
Young Preschool Teachers
Ann Porter
Supervising Teacher, Room 116
Meet Ann
My name is Ann Elizabeth Porter, and I am proud to be with the Auraria Early Learning Center! I was born in Mildenhall, Air Force Base in the city of Suffolk, England. I received my certification in Early Childhood Education, and my Directorship from the Community College of Denver. I am certified to teach Early Childhood Education, and Early Childhood Special Education. I have 13 years working in Early Childhood Education. I will be returning to the Auraria Early Learning Center to be part of the Teacher Learning Team. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. I have 12 siblings and I am the youngest girl, we are a family full of love. I have 2 sons, 4 grandchildren 3 boys and 1 girl, ages from 5 to 13 years. They all live in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I enjoy making birthday cakes and outdoor activities with them. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
Leah Selby
Supervising Teacher, Room 118
Meet Leah
My name is Leah Selby. The first preschool I worked at was on Asbury Street by University of Denver. That was over 30 years ago. Soon after I became a student here at Auraria campus and Majored in Early Childhood Education. At that time there was a lab school here, and I did a three-semester internship. I enjoy working with children because they are so honest and straightforward. It is a continual joy to be privy to their fresh perspective of the world. To assist them in their growth from one stage to the next is rewarding. My bachelor’s degree is in Psychology and Art. I continued with my Graduate work in Creative Writing. In my free time I take part in a local Art Studio. Whenever possible, I am in the mountains finding inspiration.
Alicia Vasquez
Supervising Teacher, Room 120
Meet Alicia
My name is Alicia Vasquez or Ms. Alicia. This will be my 9th year teaching Early Childhood Education. I have worked for DPS for 12 years teaching in an elementary school setting. I am a Denver Native and love everything about this community. I have two children Max and Bella and one fur baby, a 5-year-old dog named Nicco. Some fun facts about me: I can ride a bike with no hands. I have two sisters and one brother. I LOVE chickens. I know how to play the violin! I’m super excited to continue my teaching career here at Auraria Early Learning Center and I can’t wait to meet our new students and families!
Older Preschool Teachers
Jordan Parsons
Supervising Teacher, Room 125
Meet Jordan
My name is Jordan Parsons, also known to your children as Ms. Jordan! I am joining Room 116 as the Supervising Teacher. I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with a minor in Elementary Education at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Along with my degree, I also earned my teaching license. While working towards my degree, I spent most of my field experience teaching kindergarten and was also employed at the AELC as a teacher’s assistant. I enjoyed every minute of it! I am a proud Colorado native, and I like to do the typical Colorado things, like riding my bike around the city and taking day trips to the mountains to go fishing. I like pretending I’m good at crafts, but it never ends up looking right. I also love reading and spend most of my free days at the library!
Jimmett Vasquez
Supervising Teacher, Room 129
Meet Jimmett
Hello, and welcome to the AELC. I am the Supervising Teacher for Room 120, and I am excited to be working with such wonderful teachers, staff, and families. I have been with the AELC since 2010 and have been teaching since 2006. I’ve enjoyed my time here and look forward to every new adventure. It is amazing to see kids grow and blossom with guidance and love. In my free time, I enjoy going on long drives with no destination and spending time with my daughter. Again, welcome to the AELC!