Early Childhood Center

Come Grow With Us!

Great things come from small beginnings. Learning and developing through play and hands-on exploration are the hallmarks of our new two-year-old program housed in the Dunham Early Childhood Center. Inspired by Reggio Emilia, the center's theme-based curriculum includes early literacy, phonics, math, science, technology, and gross motor skill development as well as explorations in Bible, music, movement, world languages, and art. Each child entrusted to us is cared for in a loving, Christian environment in which he or she can grow at his or her own pace.
How to Apply

Update: Due to overwhelming demand, we are no longer accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open.

Families interested in applying to the Dunham Early Childhood Center should visit our online portal to submit an application.* You will be asked to create a username and password in order to save and submit your application. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email our office or call us at (225) 767-7097 ext. 324.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee placement in the two-year-old program. Space is limited with priority given to siblings, faculty, and alumni. Once your application is received, a member of our staff will contact you regarding space availability and the next steps in the admissions process.

*Please make sure you select Early Childhood Center as your child's entering grade to access the correct application.

Morgan Barkas '09

Email Me
Employed at Dunham since
2013
Undergraduate Degree
Louisiana State University, 2013
Masters Degree
Northwestern State University, 2017
Doctorate Degree
Certifications
Apple Teacher 2016
Awards or Additional Certificates
Dunham Class of 2009
Coaching/Club Responsibilities
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Morgan Barkas '09
Early Childhood Center Director
Small Classes & Caring
Teachers
Convenient
Location
Snacks & Lunch
Provided
Early & Late Care
Available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application fee?

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Yes. A non-refundable $50 application fee must be submitted online with the Early Childhood application.

What is the birthday cut-off to enroll in the Early Childhood Center?

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Children must turn two on or before August 1 to be eligible to enroll in the two-year-old program.

Does my child have to be screened prior to being accepted into the Early Childhood Center?

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No. There are no screening or testing requirements for entry into our two-year-old program.

How many teachers and students per classroom?

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The Dunham Early Childhood Center is small by design. There will be 10 children per classroom with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher.

What is the cost of the program?

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Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $13,950 for 10 months (August to May) and $16,740 for 12 months. Tuition is all-inclusive. There are no extra fees for dining, technology, or aftercare.

What are the hours of operation, including early and late care?

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The Dunham Early Childhood Center will be open from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Learning activities will begin at 8:00 am and conclude by 3:00 pm. There is no extra charge for early or late care. Families who do not need early or late care may arrive as late as 8:30 am and pick up as early as 3:00 pm.

Early care will be available from 7:30 am to 8:00 am. During this time, children will participate in self-selected activities in the classroom such as table-top activities, block play, library time, and more.

Late care will begin at 3:00 pm. Children will stay in their classroom under the supervision of the classroom teacher until the afternoon carpool and pick up is over. They will then combine with other classes and enjoy outdoor play until 4:45 pm (weather permitting), followed by a snack and self-directed play in the classroom until 6:00 pm.

What are the carpool procedures?

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Carpool will run from 7:30-8:00 am and 3:15-3:30 pm each day. Teachers will be in the carpool line during these times to assist with drop-off and pick-up and will ensure that children are safely transported to and from their classrooms. Parents who arrive before or after morning or afternoon carpool times will need to park and walk into the building to drop off or pick up their children.

I don't need aftercare. May I pick up my child before 6:00 pm?

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Of course! Although early and late care are included at no extra charge, parents may pick up their children as early as 3:00 pm.

Is the Dunham Early Childhood Center open in the summer?

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Yes. Families who need summer care may sign up for the 12-month program.

Are lunch and snacks provided?

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Yes, snacks and a hot, nutritious lunch will be served each day. There is no extra dining fee for lunch or snacks.

Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend?

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No. Our staff will assist students in the Early Childhood Center with toilet training during the school day.

Do Dunham Early Childhood students wear uniforms?

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No. Children should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes.

Where is the Dunham Early Childhood Center located?

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The Dunham Early Childhood Center is located in the Lower School building on our main campus at 11111 Roy Emerson Drive in the Wimbledon neighborhood off Perkins Road.

Is tuition assistance available?

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Tuition assistance is not available for the Dunham Early Childhood Center.

Are children enrolled in the Dunham Early Childhood Center automatically eligible for PreK-3 the following year?

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No. ECC parents who would like their children to be considered for PreK-3 will be contacted in the fall to fill out a form giving our staff consent to conduct a PreK-3 assessment in the classroom. The screening fee is $50 and will be added to the student billing account. The screenings will take place during a normal school day, and the staff will communicate the results to parents. Students whose screenings indicate PreK-3 readiness will be issued a re-enrollment contract in December for the next school year.

Explore Dunham

LOWER SCHOOL

Our PreK3-4th grade program is the perfect blend of a classical education combined with technology, innovation, and cross-cultural literacy.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Our 5th-8th grade program balances academics with athletics and arts in preparation for the rigor and expectations of Upper School.

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UPPER SCHOOL

Our high school program prepares students for success in college and career through academic rigor, athletics, arts, and leadership.

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ATHLETICS

Our athletic program unleashes confidence and enables students to compete at the highest level - on and off of the field.

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FINE ARTS

Outstanding theater, dance, visual arts, and music offerings inspire creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

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FAITH

The Dunham experience rests upon a foundation of faith as we strive to educate our students' minds and hearts for Christ.

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We can't wait to welcome you!

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