The Howard University Early Learning Program (HUELP) provides a world-class, supportive, enriching environment for children ages two years nine months through six. Licensed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), HUELP serves an essential role in the lives of its children and their families. This highly-respected and highly-regarded program attracts students from a variety of educational, economic and ethnic backgrounds and together they form a community of eager learners. Through its cultivation and commitment to the fulfillment of educational virtues, HUELP provides our youngest Bison with a unique foundation of strong academic values, impressive cultural acknowledgement and a sense of love and acceptance.
Mission
The mission of the Howard University Early Learning Program is to:
- Provide high quality care and education for young children; supporting and maintaining NAEYC standards and accreditation;
- Stay abreast of the latest research in early education and child development and use current knowledge in classroom practices and teaching pedagogy;
- Provide a learning laboratory for Howard University’s matriculating students, volunteers, faculty and educators in which to learn and develop the mind, the skills, the practices, and methodologies needed to work with and teach young children;
- Strengthen our business of education, developing sound practices for sustainability and a successful future; and,
- To be a partner in research and education with the greater Howard University community, local businesses and other educational entities.
Core Values
It is our belief that all children can succeed with a comprehensive school curriculum and a high expectation approach in a nurturing and flexible learning environment. HUELP’s academic environment employs a wide variety of educational materials and learning opportunities that motivate children to explore the world with confidence and comfort. The highly qualified and caring professionals of HUELP focus on growth and development through an organic approach. The goal of HUELP is to nurture a child’s sense of self-esteem by embracing physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
Multicultural education is also a central element of HUELP’s learning approach. HUELP strives to bridge the gaps of ethnic and cultural inclusion with diverse educational displays, tangible learning tools and tactical strategies. As an example, one major academic component of the fall semester includes the United Nations Day celebration. This student-parent activity involves the children researching and presenting on a country that is important to their family. Families are also encouraged to share foods from their country for everyone to enjoy. Other programs include the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Winter and Spring Recitals, Asian New Year, Black Heritage Celebration, Kwanzaa, and Ramadan to name a few.
Major Initiative: Steller Academic Environment at an Affordable Cost
High-quality education does not automatically mean high costs. HUELP has always maintained its high quality despite the challenge of yearly tuition increases to remain competitive while being sensitive to the population that we serve. At only a fraction of the costs of prestigious schools and programs in the DC metropolitan area, HUELP teachers, faculty and staff have continued to provide a level of education that has far surpassed the likes of many of these aforementioned competitive schools in the area. HUELP is committed to providing a Steller Academic Environment for our community.
Key elements for providing a Steller Academic Environment include:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited;
- Age appropriate adult-to-child ratios;
- Two full-time staff, and periodically one student worker, and volunteer per class;
- Monthly off-campus field trips;
- Opportunities for parent-child presentations throughout the year for all students;
- Participation in the 'Read Across America' program and NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child;
- Various opportunities to collaborate with other schools and colleges within Howard University and the greater community;
- Productive parent-teacher involvement; and,
- Actively engaged Parent Network.
Giving Opportunities
Fundraising priorities include:
- Classroom/Education material for children
- Continuing education professional development courses for teachers and faculty
- Technology equipment for children
- Building/Playground fund
