Programs
​"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Infant & Toddler Care:
For infants through age 3, the tuition rates include the following services:
​
-
Baby food
-
Formula
-
Diapers
-
Wipes
​
Preschool Care:
We have a variety of options available for enrollment in this program:
​​
-
Full day for families needing services between center operation hours.
-
Part time care: 2 or 3 days a week care available.
​
Pre-K Counts details on program requirements can be found below.
School Age Care:
We partner with Ephrata Area School District: Akron and Fulton Elementary for before and after care. Children are offered breakfast and an afternoon snack during their time at the center.
​
We also work with the school district on behalf of early dismissals, school closures, and delayed openings. ​
​
Summer Day Camp runs for 10 weeks each summer, starting the Tuesday after EASD ends and ending one week before school starts in the fall.
Infant & Toddlers
Infants 6 Weeks to 18 months
Our Warbler and Chickadee rooms are places of active learning. Low teacher to student ratio allows for plenty of individualized attention and bonding. Our teachers work with children and their parents to develop individualized goals which are reflected in the teachers' weekly lesson plans. We strive to provide meaningful activities like tummy time, feeding, and a daily routine to assist in the child's developmental needs.
​Toddlers 1 to 2 years
​
The Bluebird classroom is a flexible, creative, and encouraging environment in which provides experiences full of discovery. Our program is created to help the children to grow while learning through their individual interests. The teachers prioritize developmentally appropriate concepts such as utilizing sign language to communicate basic needs, social skills, and working on building their fine and gross motor skills. The opportunities we provide allow each child to explore through play at their own pace while developing valuable social skills and peer relationships. ​
Toddlers 2 to 3.5 years old
The Robin and Dove classrooms gives older toddlers an opportunity to be in a preschool setting with peers while still having the care and guidance that a toddler needs. The Robin classroom allows older toddlers a chance to play and interact with peers through learning centers and play. With their exploration and discovery of the environment we surround them in, children are able to engage, interpret, and inquiry concepts in self-discoveries as well as teacher guided instruction. The Doves room allows children who will turn three, but are not yet eligible for preschool to begin developing skills such as following a schedule, cleaning up their play space and sitting at circle time. Our primary goal is to work with children to develop their social-emotional, fine/gross motor skills, to partner with families on potty training.​
Preschool
Preschool 3 to 4 years * Expanded Capacity
The Hummingbird class is a young preschool class that uses Creative Curriculum to develop age appropriate activities and is based on the children's interest to create learning exploration and discovery. Our teachers implement fine motor, literacy, math and science and use their favorite activities to enhance children's learning. Children in the Hummingbirds class are typically eligible for Kindergarten in 2 years.
Preschool/Pre-K Counts 3 to 5 years * Expanded Capacity
​
The Cardinals class is is a medium sized full day, multi-funded Preschool class, that runs year round Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30:00 pm. Families have the option of paying full tuition or applying financial assistance from several grants, each with their own requirements. Attendance is a requirement during the school year to ensure learning. In the classroom, our certified teacher creates learning experiences that gets the children ready for kindergarten. The Puffins prepare academically for a more structured setting using Creative Curriculum which enhances learning through play.
Preschool/Pre-K Counts 3 to 5 years
The Orioles class is a 10 seat, state-funded, Pre-K Counts class that runs 180 days, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This program is free to families. Entrance into this class is based on family income and other risk factors. Attendance is a requirement to maintaining placement. In the classroom, our certified teacher, creates learning experiences that gets the children ready for kindergarten. The Orioles prepare academically for a more structured setting using Creative Curriculum which enhances learning through play.
Preschool/Pre-K Counts 3 to 5 years
The Puffins class is a larger sized full day, multi-funded Preschool class, that runs year round Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30:00 pm. Families have the option of paying full tuition or applying financial assistance from several grants, each with their own requirements. Attendance is a requirement during the school year to ensure learning. In the classroom, our certified teacher creates learning experiences that gets the children ready for kindergarten. The Puffins prepare academically for a more structured setting using Creative Curriculum which enhances learning through play.
School Age
Before & After Kindergarten to 4th Grade *Expanded Capacity
​
Children who attend Elementary School in the Ephrata Area School District can come to Diamond Street before and/or after school care. The children who attend Akron Elementary will be walked out to the bus stop by one of our qualified staff who will transport the students to and from school. Families in all other schools will be responsible for their transportation.
The Owls and Eagles classes include activities to enrich learning, provide for social emotional growth and give kids an opportunity for free play and social interaction during the hours before and after school. Families may also sign up for their children to attend no-school days. ​
Summer Day Camp
​
Summer camp is a time for kids who have finished kindergarten through 4th grade to play, learn and build friendships. Each summer camp counselors work together to build an exciting program filled with learning opportunities, adventure and fun. Summer Camp includes visits to the swimming pool, field trips to local attractions and a variety of activities taught by volunteers who are excited to teach children about their hobbies, crafting skills or careers. ​
At DSECC equal educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or special needs, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Educational programs are designed to meet the varying needs of all students.
In Accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, DSECC ensures that all persons with limited English proficiency will have meaningful and equal access to services and benefits. These services will include, but are not limited to, free language assistance services when an interpreter is needed.
Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint of discrimination with:
Department of Human Services US Dept. of Health & Human Services Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Bureau of Equal Opportunity Office for Civil Rights Harrisburg Regional Office
Room 223, Health and Welfare Building Suite 372, Public Ledger Bldg. 1101 S. Front St., 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17105 150 S Independence Mall West Harrisburg, PA 17104
​ Philadelphia, PA 19106
​
​
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
-
mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; -
fax: (202) 690-7442; or
-
email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.