We are located at
1920 Cass Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106
We are open Monday-Friday 6:30am to 5:30pm excluding all Federal and State Holidays
To learn more or to schedule a tour please contact us at the following:
Phone: (314)421-4071
E-mail: elmerhammondcdc@vaughntenantassociation.org
Director: Dajha Adams
Assistant Director: Crystal Ledbetter
Our Mission
Our Mission at Elmer Hammond is to nuture and inspire every child to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. We are committed to fostering a love for learning through play-based, developmentally appropriate practices that promote cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. Our dedicated educators partner with families to create a community where diversity is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged and every child is valued and respected for their unique abilities and contributions.
Our Child Development Model
Vision:
To foster confident, compassionate, and capable young learners through a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment that respects and reflects the diverse experiences of our children and families.
Mission:
To provide a high-quality early childhood education program that supports the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually—while empowering families and strengthening our community.
Core Components of the Child Development Model
1. Whole Child Approach
We recognize that each child is unique and develops at their own pace. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that children thrive when all areas of development are nurtured together:
Cognitive Development:
Activities that build curiosity, problem-solving, early literacy, and numeracy skills through play-based and exploratory learning.Social-Emotional Development:
Guided interactions, emotion recognition, and conflict resolution practices help children build empathy, self-awareness, and relationships with others.Physical Development:
Fine and gross motor skill development through structured and unstructured physical play, movement-based learning, and healthy routines.Language and Communication:
Rich language exposure, storytelling, music, and daily conversation promote expressive and receptive language skills.
Guiding Principles
1. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)
Curriculum and activities are designed with an understanding of child development stages, ensuring that expectations are realistic, engaging, and achievable.
2. Culturally Responsive Education
We honor the backgrounds of our children and families by incorporating diverse languages, traditions, and cultural practices into daily activities and curriculum.
3. Family Engagement
We value families as a child’s first teacher and essential partners in development. Regular communication, workshops, home visits, and volunteer opportunities foster strong home-school connections.
4. Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment
We provide individualized support to meet the needs of children with different learning styles and abilities, ensuring an inclusive space where every child feels seen, safe, and celebrated.
Key Strategies for Implementation
Learning Through Play:
Play is central to our curriculum, enabling children to explore, imagine, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.Intentional Teaching:
Teachers observe and assess children’s interests and needs, then design experiences that extend learning in intentional, purposeful ways.Safe, Stimulating Environments:
Our classrooms are organized to encourage exploration, independence, and creativity with materials that are age-appropriate and culturally relevant.Professional Development:
Educators receive ongoing training in trauma-informed care, anti-bias education, early intervention strategies, and positive behavior support.Community Partnerships:
Collaborations with local health, mental wellness, and educational organizations ensure wraparound support services for families.
Assessment and Growth Monitoring
We utilize a blend of formative assessments, developmental screenings, and family input to:
Track developmental milestones
Identify strengths and areas of concern early
Adapt instruction and support services accordingly
Celebrate children’s growth and progress
Conclusion:
The Elmer Hammond Child Development Model is more than a framework—it’s a commitment to equity, excellence, and empowerment. By creating a nurturing, responsive, and enriching environment, we prepare our children not only for school but for life.
🌟 Programs & Services
Elmer Hammond Child Development Center
Serving children ages 2 years to 12 years
🚼 Preschool Program (Ages 2 – 4)
Play-based, developmentally appropriate learning
Early literacy, math, and motor skill development
Social-emotional learning and peer interaction
Focus on kindergarten readiness
🧑🏽🏫 Pre-Kindergarten Program (Age 4 – 5)
Structured academic preparation
Language and cognitive development activities
Hands-on learning through art, science, and dramatic play
Daily routines to build independence and confidence
📚 School-Age Program (Ages 5 – 12)
🏫 Before & After School Care
Homework assistance and tutoring
Creative arts, games, and structured recreation
Safe, supervised environment during out-of-school hours
🎒 Summer Enrichment Camp
Weekly themed activities and educational field trips
STEAM exploration, gardening, music, and sports
Continued academic support to prevent summer learning loss
📅 School Break & Holiday Care
Full-day care on teacher workdays and school holidays
Hands-on projects, team-building, and indoor/outdoor fun
Snacks and meals included
💼 Additional Services & Supports
🧠 Developmental Screenings & Assessments
Milestone tracking and individualized learning plans
Early identification of learning needs and support services
👨👩👧👦 Family Support & Engagement
Parent workshops and education nights
Monthly newsletters and family events
Access to local health, housing, and employment resources
🥗 Healthy Meals & Nutrition
USDA-approved breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Allergy-sensitive and culturally inclusive menus
🧘🏾 Social-Emotional & Behavioral Support
Positive behavior guidance
Mindfulness and self-regulation techniques
Mental health and counseling referrals
🚌 Transportation Assistance (if available)
Transportation to and from local schools
Field trips and enrichment excursions
🎨 Enrichment Opportunities
Music, dance, and creative arts
Nature exploration and outdoor learning
Science experiments and technology projects
Multicultural storytelling and global holidays
Community service and leadership development (ages 8–12)