Founded in 1991, the E. Kay Cowan Early Learning Center is a preschool and childcare program overseen by Greenwich Academy. With a census of sixty children, the Cowan Center provides individual nurturing and education to each child in its care. The program seeks to enhance the development of cognitive, motor, language, creative and social skills in children from birth to age five. The Cowan Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The primary mission of the Cowan Center is to provide childcare and education for the children of Greenwich Academy faculty and staff. As space permits, the program enrolls children of faculty from other area independent schools as well as children from the local community.

It is the philosophy of the Cowan Center to recognize that the early years of a child's life are characterized by extremely rapid changes. Teachers and classroom assistants value the wide variations in normal development and plan for individual growth within the group setting.

The Cowan Center is located on the campus of Greenwich Academy.  Housed in an antique carriage house, the Cowan Center is a modern facility that retains the feeling of home. The rural setting and proximity to the facilities of Greenwich Academy allow a wide variety of activities and experiences to be part of each child's daily routine.

Infants have a staff-child ratio of 1:3 with a group size no larger than 6-8 infants. Toddlers have a staff-child ratio of 1:4 with a group size of 8. Preschool (ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2) children learn and play in groups of 12-15 with a staff-to-child ratio of 1:6-8.

About the Program
Teachers in the Infant Program foster development by responding to each infant's needs promptly, consistently and lovingly. Each child's personal schedule is followed as closely as possible. The environment is emotionally warm, physically secure and alternately stimulating and relaxed.

The Toddler Program encourages the development of self-help skills and independence. Toddlers are encouraged to identify emotions and respond appropriately. Growth of language and the continued support of the child's natural curiosity are of primary importance. The Toddler Program maintains a predictable daily schedule to support the toddler's love of routine.

The Pre-school Program marks the introduction of the pre-academic skills that will help the child transition to elementary school. The objectives of the Toddler Program are expanded with continued encouragement of the development of social and emotional growth.

Parent Participation
The E. Kay Cowan Early Learning Center recognizes the family as the primary influence on each child's development and well-being. The Cowan Center welcomes and encourages parent involvement in all aspects of the child's care and education and to share goals with the parents of the children in its program.

Parents may participate in the Cowan Center Parents Association. The CCPA sponsors events for parents and families including a Parent Breakfast, Parent Speaker and a Spring picnic.

Additional Activities for Children
Children enrolled in the Cowan Center participate in a music/movement program in Young Auditorium. Conversational Spanish is part of the curriculum. 

Children in the morning Pre-school program may participate in the Lunch Bunch Program.

The Cowan Center follows the Greenwich Academy calendar.
Click here for the General School Calendar

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For more information, contact:
Sandy Helmer
E. Kay Cowan Early Learning Center
200 North Maple Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
Phone: 203.625.8995