West Market Early Childhood and Education Center

Our Mission

Our mission at the West Market Early Childhood and Education Center is to assure appropriate opportunities which will enhance overall development and instill a love of learning in young children by providing a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment that incorporates support from families, staff and the community.

Our Approach

The first five years of life are the most important for a child to learn and develop good habits. There is no "magic age" at which every child learns to do things. Each child's pace of development is unique. However, as your child's first teacher . . . and his/her most important one . . . you can help your child achieve his/her potential.

Our Commitment

West Market Early Childhood and Education Center is a place where students are emerging learners. The early childhood center serves three and four year old children in Anderson School District Five who have been determined to be “at risk” . The South Carolina State Four Year Old Standards are taught through thematic units. Each class has a certified teacher and teaching assistant. Our comprehensive program is designed to prepare children for academic and social success. We believe that a high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of families. The structured programs at West Market reflect this philosophy. A curriculum for young children is planned for the age span of the children within the group and is implemented with attention to the different needs, interest and development levels of individual children.

Our Community

We also serve as a model early childhood center for area institutions of higher learning such as Clemson University, Anderson University, Converse, Erskine College, Tri-County Technical College, and Southern Wesleyan University.

Where families are valued for their bonds and traditions, their ability to play, their commitment to work, home, and community, and their dreams for their children. . . .

Where staff are valued for their vision, their delight in children, their skill, heart, and knowledge, a commitment to families, and an ability to play . . . .

We cherish what we learn from each other." ¹

The teachers at the Family Education Center help you encourage the development of your child. We believe that a high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of families. The structured programs at the Family Education Center reflecting this philosophy. A curriculum for young children is planned for the age span of the children within the group and is implemented with attention to the different needs, interests and development levels of those individual children.

An appropriate curriculum provides for all areas of your child's development - cognitive, physical, emotional, and social - through an integrated approach. Realistic curriculum goals and plans are based on regular assessment of individual needs, strengths and interests.

Each classroom has a certified teacher and a teaching assistant. The ratio of teachers to children meets standards for National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation.

We are a collaborative effort between Anderson School District Five and other community organizations to provide quality education to young children in our areas.

"Where children are valued for their ability to do meaningful work, their wonder and curiosity; their perspectives, and ability to play . . . .