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our programs and curriculum
Program Design: Little Eagles Learning Center (LELC) is conveniently located on the FGCU campus
in a free-standing building designed to support safe, nurturing and intellectually
stimulating care. In this cozy setting children thrive and develop at their own pace
nurtured by a highly professional staff. Both the indoor and outdoor environments
are carefully planned to promote the children’s engagement in a wide variety of interesting
activities. The program maintains four classrooms with a total enrollment of 48 children.
The LELC is a Gold Seal Program licensed by the state of Florida, maintains accreditation
through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is
a Preferred Provider for VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten).
- The Infant Room serves 8 children ranging in age between 6 weeks and 18 months. With
a ratio of 1:4 each child can flourish and explore with the loving supervision of
their caregivers.
- The Young Toddler Room serves 10 children from approximately 12 to 24 - 30 months
while maintaining the ratio of 1:5.
- The Older Toddler Room serves 10 children from approximately 24 - 42 months while
maintaining the same ratio of 1:5.
- The mixed age Pre-K enrolls a maximum of 20 children ages 3-5 years. This includes
our VPK program. Two full-time teachers (3 during VPK hours) allow us to have a 1:10
ratio.
Curriculum: Language arts, dramatic play, music, art, science, and large and small muscle activities
are woven into the total experience of the child. The views development as a continuum
in which young children are helped to meet increasingly greater challenges cognitively,
socially, emotionally and physically. The daily schedule reflects this integrated
approach.
UNIVERSITY PARTICIPANTS
During the year the Little Eagles Learning Center welcomes the participation of university
students in many capacities. Some faculty arrange for students to fulfill course observation/participation
requirements at the Center. Students also seek to perform volunteer Service Learning
hours. All participants are closely supervised by the staff in the Center and follow
strict confidentially policies. We also welcome members of the community to volunteer
in the program.
ELIGIBILITY
The enrollment policy of the Little Eagles Learning Center requires priority to be
given to students who are enrolled full-time at FGCU. FGCU employees have the next
enrollment priority with siblings having the same priority. The center maintains
a substantial waitlist thus making enrollment for the general community a final status.
Families are encouraged to submit a waitlist application as soon as possible as rooms
fill quickly. Families are contacted in advance when slots open, they may choose
to take the slot or continue on the waitlist for a latter enrollment date.
Weekly Fees
All families pay a registration fee of $100 upon enrollment. An administrative re-enrollment
fee of $100 will be paid on August 1st of each year.
Full-Time FGCU students (12 hrs – undergraduate; 9 hrs – graduate)
Infant Room: $242
Toddler Rooms – (1-3): $242
Preschool Rooms – (3-5): $227
VPK Wrap: $143**
VPK is subsidized for 3 hrs/day
Full-Time FGCU Staff
Infant Room: $256
Toddler Rooms – (1-3): $256
Preschool Rooms – (3-5): $239
VPK Wrap: $155**
VPK is subsidized for 3 hrs/day
Community, Alumni, Adjuncts
Infant Room: $269
Toddler Rooms – (1-3): $269
Preschool Rooms – (3-5): $252
VPK Wrap: $168**
VPK is subsidized for 3 hrs/day
VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) children must be 4 years old by September 1st of
the year they begin.
VPK Wrap rate is subject to change pursuant to the Florida reimbursement amount. The
2025-26 reimbursement rate is $84.75/week. On days when there is no VPK, families
will pay the Preschool Rate for that day.
At the end of the VPK school year in May, families will revert to the Preschool week
rate until the children leave the center for kindergarten.
