Early Learning Center

We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and positive learning environment for our children. We strive to develop social/emotional skills, cognitive skills, and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for learning and well-being. Each classroom promotes positive relationships with peers and adults, develop resilience, and cultivate a strong sense of self. We want to build a positive and loving association with learning. We enjoy learning through play, interactions, and experiences. Every child has unique qualities that makes him or her an important part of our center. We hope that you will consider visiting the Early Learning Center.

The ELC is ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Sylva. We are delighted that you are interested in our preschool program. The ELC is a half day preschool program for ages infant to 5 years old. We operate through out the year. August thru May is our regular school year. We follow the Jackson County Public School calendar for holidays and closings. We offer a summer program starting in June thru July (typically 6 to 8 weeks). Our hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We do offer early drop-off daily beginning at 7:30 am through 8:50 am at an additional cost.

Registration has begun. Enrollment for the ELC summer program and the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Our registration has gone digital this year. You may go to the church website (sylvafumc.org/elc, scroll down, and click on the registration links). You may pay by credit, debit, or ACH. Remember you are only officially enrolled when you have completed the online form and paid the registration fee online. The fee for the summer session is $50 and $75 for the 2025-2026 school year.

Our summer program runs June 16- July 25th. The 2025-2026 school year begins August 13th. We follow the JCPS schedule and will notify you if there are any changes to the public school start date as this will affect the start date of the ELC.

Use these links below to place your child on our lists for the summer session 2025 and 2025-2026 school year.

Registration links for Summer Session and for 2025-2026 School Year.

Click HERE for Fall Registration!

Click HERE for Summer Registration!