West Grand Early Childhood Center
WGECC Misson
WGECC is dedicated to fostering intellectual, social/emotional, and physical development in a high-quality early childhood setting; by building meaningful relationships with families in our community, honoring childhood, and inspiring life-long learners that have a sense of global responsibility.
Welcome to West Grand Early Childhood Center (WGECC)
At West Grand Early Childhood Center (WGECC), we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and inspiring start to their educational journey. As a licensed early childhood program and a Colorado Shines Level 4 rated center, we are committed to providing high-quality care and education that supports the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Our dedicated team of early childhood professionals creates engaging, play-based learning experiences for children from 6 weeks through 5 years of age, fostering curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Every classroom is thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, meaningful relationships, and age-appropriate growth.
At WGECC, we value strong partnerships with families and believe that working together creates the best outcomes for children. Through open communication, collaboration, and meaningful community connections, we strive to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Together, we are building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, kindergarten readiness, and bright futures.
Curriculum
At WGECC, we use The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based, play-centered approach to early learning. Through hands-on exploration, guided discovery, and meaningful play, children build essential skills in language, literacy, math, science, and the arts. Our teachers intentionally design engaging environments that spark curiosity, support social-emotional growth, and nurture each child’s individual strengths.
Programs
Infants (6 Weeks-18 Months)
Our Infant Program provides a safe, nurturing, and responsive environment where your baby is cared for like family. With low teacher-to-child ratios, individualized attention, and a focus on building trust, we support each infant’s unique schedule, needs, and developmental milestones. Through gentle interactions, sensory exploration, and plenty of cuddles, our teachers lay the foundation for healthy growth, early learning, and secure attachments.
Toddlers (18 Months-36 Months)
Our Toddler Program is designed to support your child’s growing independence, curiosity, and love of exploration. Through a play-based approach, toddlers engage in hands-on activities that build language, motor skills, problem-solving, and social connections. With patient guidance and nurturing support, our teachers encourage self-help skills, positive interactions, and joyful discovery—helping toddlers learn about themselves and the world around them.
Preschool (2.5 Years-4 Years)
Our Preschool Program prepares children for kindergarten and beyond through hands-on, play-based learning that sparks curiosity and confidence. Using The Creative Curriculum®, teachers guide children in developing early literacy, math, science, and problem-solving skills while fostering creativity and imagination. Social-emotional growth is at the heart of our program—helping children learn to work together, build friendships, and develop independence. Each day is filled with opportunities to explore, discover, and grow in a safe, engaging environment.
Enrollment and Hours of Operation
WGECC serves children 6 weeks through 5 years of age and is open year-round.
Hours of OperationMonday–Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Our program follows the West Grand School District calendar for holidays and scheduled closures. Families receive an updated school calendar each year outlining all planned closure dates.
Enrollment is open to all families as space allows. Priority enrollment is given to West Grand School District employees. After priority enrollment, available openings are offered to families throughout the West Grand community.
If a classroom is full, children are placed on a waitlist and families are contacted as openings become available. Completing the online enrollment application places your child on the waitlist and does not guarantee enrollment or a specific start date.
We are proud to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive.
Guidance and Discipline
At WGECC, we believe children learn best in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to help children understand and manage their feelings, develop self-control, and become responsible members of the group. We use positive guidance techniques, praise for appropriate behavior, redirection, and consistent limits. Respecting children's feelings and modeling appropriate behavior are key components of our approach. Two quiet areas are available in the classroom for children to use independently or with gentle suggestion when they need time to calm down.
Early Childhood Council
WGECC is proud to partner with Grand Beginnings Early Childhood Council, an organization dedicated to supporting young children, families, and early childhood professionals throughout Grand County.
Grand Beginnings connects families with valuable resources, including child care referrals, tuition assistance, developmental screenings, parenting support, and early childhood programs. Their mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through access to high-quality early childhood services and community support.
We encourage families to explore the many resources Grand Beginnings has to offer as they navigate their early childhood journey.
Early Learning Ventures Family Portal
WGECC utilizes the Early Learning Ventures (ELV) Family Portal to make enrollment and communication convenient for families.
Through the ELV Family Portal, families can:
- Complete online enrollment and annual registration forms
- Update contact, emergency, and medical information
- Electronically sign required documents
- Access important enrollment records and forms
The ELV Family Portal provides a secure, convenient way to keep your child's information current and helps streamline the enrollment process for both new and returning families.
If you need assistance accessing the portal or completing your forms, our office is happy to help.