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. Our 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. We practice strategies from several philosophies and lean on Creative Curriculum for lessons and learning. This curriculum works in conjunction with Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment.

The 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 receive 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 12 months old to 5 years old or 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 as preschool classrooms are not equipped for diapering.

The classroom capacities are as follows:

• 1–2 Year Old Toddler Classrooms
  Child Capacity: 10, 1:4 teacher to child ratio
• 2–3 Year Old Toddler Classrooms
  Child Capacity: 14, 1:7 teacher to child ratio
• 3–4 Year Old Young Preschool Classrooms
  Child Capacity: 16, 1:8 teacher to child ratio
• 4–5 Year Old Older Preschool Classrooms
  Child Capacity: 18, 1:8 teacher to child ratio

Our Older Preschool Program consists of children in the year before kindergarten. Children must be 4 years old by October 1 of the current year  (special consideration is made for children who miss the cutoff). Our Older Preschool Program utilizes specific curriculum for phonics and math.

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 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Our calendar closely follows the Auraria Campus schedule. We accept enrollment applications from Community College of Denver, CU Denver, and MSU Denver students, faculty, and staff.  We also accept applications from the Denver community.