Early Learning Program (ELP)
Laura Straiton
Program Director of Early Childhood, SESS
Early Learning Program
Ox Ridge Elementary School
203-655-2579
elp@darienps.org
Philosophy
The Darien Early Learning Program values each child as an individual learner with unique strengths, needs and interests. We support children to become critical thinkers and social learners. Our play-based learning environments provide daily opportunities for preschool children to be purposeful, creative, inquisitive, flexible, and reflective. As a program designed to meet the needs of all learners, children in our diverse classrooms develop empathy toward others and an appreciation of differences. Families are critical partners in our support of children’s growth and development.
Curriculum
Our approach to preschool curriculum planning has its foundation in the philosophies of “Emergent Curriculum” and “Project Approach”. Teachers use a variety of curriculum resources to plan the classroom environment, experiences, interactions, and opportunities for family engagements that are meaningful and relevant to the observed interests of children. The CT Early Learning and Development Standards for Birth to Five detail what children should know and be able to do and serve as the basis for planning. Teachers engage in the cycle of intentional teaching, consistently observing and assessing children’s growth and using this information to plan and implement the highest quality learning experiences.
March 5, 2025 Board of Education presentation on the District play-based learning curriculum: Play-Based Learning PK-Kindergarten.
Here is the link to the youtube video if the link doesn’t work - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Ui2Ij9M30&t=2127s.
Applications are open for the ELP 2026-2027 School Year
Early Learning Program (ELP) applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 school year for children who will be turning 3 years of age, 4 years of age, and/or will be 5 years of age on or after September 2, 2026.
Students turning 3 years of age within the 2026-2027 school year will begin in the ELP program on their third birthday. Students who are 5 years of age by September 1, 2026, are Kindergarten age eligible.
Darien residency is required to attend the ELP program.
All ELP classrooms are located at the Ox Ridge Elementary School.
The Early Learning Program is a five-day program.
Monday-Thursday 9:30 to 1:30
Friday 9:30 to 12:30
ELP Open House Tuesday January 6, 2026 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm @ Ox Ridge, ELP Common Room. If you can not attend the meeting in-person, here is the Teams Meeting Link.
Teams Meeting
Meeting ID: 216 257 373 640 67
Passcode: BM7EM76v
Tuition
The anticipated Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $13,000 (plus a 3.5% processing fee).
Upon acceptance to the program, families may pay the non-refundable deposit of $800 (and the remainder of the tuition payments) by Visa or MasterCard. After payment of the initial deposit, families may pay the remaining balance with the following options: payment in full by August 31st (there is a 2% discount applied when choosing this option) or in three equal recurring payments on 8/31, 11/30 and 2/28. If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact Lisa DeAngelis at elpbilling@darienps.org.
ELP is offered to families that qualify for free and reduced lunch at 75% discounted rate. It is also offered at a 25% discount for employees of Darien Public Schools who reside in Darien.
Please click on the link below to apply: https://www.darienelp.org/elp-application/
Parents will be notified of acceptance on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Common Terminology Resource:
Photograph Permission Form - For ELP students