Our mission at DAELC is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for all students. We strive to foster a lifelong love of learning in every child, empowering them to reach his or her full potential.

As a school community, we accomplish this by aligning our instruction to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. Theme-based and project-based instructional models are used that allow students to explore the world around them while acquiring the foundational skills needed for later learning. Children are challenged to collaborate, communicate, and think critically about concepts being explored. The social and emotional development of our students is supported through structured social opportunities such as cooperative learning centers and free play. Students participate in Art, Music, and PE classes designed to provide students with a variety of learning experiences. At DAELC we recognize the vital role that technology will play in our students’ lives. Teachers have Promethean Boards in each classroom that they use to bring their lessons to life and engage students. Students regularly use iPads to explore new concepts and support the acquisition of new skills.

Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their children’s education. Each teacher maintains a website that is regularly updated to include current information about units of study and ways to support learning at home. Students regularly come home with homework that engages parents in cooperative activities.