Where Little Minds Grow.
Nurturing early learning, meaningful play, and a strong sense of belonging for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.
High-Quality Early Childhood Education Rooted in Equity, Safety, and Belonging
The Lolie Eccles Early Education Center at YWCA Utah provides full-day, year-round care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years in a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed environment. Our nurturing teachers, research-based curriculum, and strong sense of community help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Guided by YWCA Utah’s mission, LEEEC supports working families and creates a place where every child can grow, belong, and thrive.
Why Families Choose LEEEC
NAEYC-accredited, ensuring the highest quality standards in early education
Full-day, year-round care for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten
Trauma-informed classrooms and inclusive practices for all families
Enrichment opportunities including yoga, cooking, and field trips
Highly trained and compassionate teachers with ongoing professional development
Extended care hours to support working families
Nutritious meals and snacks provided daily, aligned with USDA Child Nutrition Program*
Free or deeply discounted education for low-income child survivors of domestic violence
Learning Through Play, Rooted in Care
At Lolie Eccles Early Education Center, children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and free to explore. Our curriculum supports the whole child through play-based learning, nurturing relationships, creative expression, outdoor discovery, and age-appropriate academic foundations.
We blend research-based curriculum with child-led exploration so children can build confidence, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
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Play-Based Learning
Children learn through hands-on experiences, imagination, movement, and discovery. Play helps children build language, social skills, confidence, and independence.
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Strong Early Learning Foundations
Our classrooms use Creative Curriculum® and Starfall Education to support early literacy, math, science, art, and critical thinking in developmentally appropriate ways.
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Social-Emotional Growth
Teachers help children name feelings, build friendships, solve problems, and develop the confidence to participate in a caring classroom community.
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Outdoor Discovery & Creative Expression
Nature, movement, art, music, and sensory exploration are part of each child’s day, helping children connect with the world around them.
Nourishing Young Minds
We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily, prepared fresh in YWCA Utah’s kitchen and aligned with the Utah Child Nutrition Program. Meals are served family-style to build independence, community, and healthy habits.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Empowering Survivors Through Early Education
As part of YWCA Utah’s broader mission to eliminate racism and empower women, LEEEC provides free or deeply discounted early education to low-income child survivors of domestic violence living in our transitional housing. As of this school year, 15% of enrolled children benefit from this life-changing support.
Our classrooms are trauma-informed and welcoming to families of all backgrounds, creating safe spaces where healing and learning happen together.
Our Classrooms
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Caterpillars Class: 6 weeks–17 months | Ratio 1:4
Secure attachment and gentle routines for our tiniest learners.
Focus: tummy time, sensory play, early milestones, bonding
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Butterflies Class: 12-24 months | Ratio 1:5
Toddlers spread their wings through active exploration.
Focus: language bursts, social play, movement, emotional skills
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Lillies Class: 15-30 months | Ratio 1:5
Blossoming confidence, independence, and early self-care skills.
Focus: routines, friendships, letters, numbers, and early science
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Tulips Class: 24-40 months | Ratio 1:8
Little learners explore the world through movement, play, and connection.
Focus: language development, problem-solving, cooperation, potty training
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Dragonflies Class: 3-4 years | Ratio 1:10
Our curious preschoolers take big steps toward independence.
Focus: social-emotional growth, early learning foundations, imaginative play
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Bumblebees Class: 4-5 years | Ratio 1:10
Our oldest learners prepare for lift-off into kindergarten and beyond.
Focus: academic readiness, peer leadership, creativity
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Kindergarten | 4.5–6 years | Ratio 1:12
Confident learners building academic skills, independence, and strong peer connections.
Focus: literacy, math, leadership, and emotional growth
Want To Learn More? ↘
Join us for a tour of the Lolie Eccles Early Education Center. If you can’t find a time that works for you, please contact Rachael Cervantes, Director of Lolie Eccles Early Education Center. We can’t wait to welcome you!
For information about tuition, community resources, and the Parent Handbook, head over to the parent resource page.
Interested in enrolling? We’d love to have you! Submit this short form to join the waitlist. Someone from our team will be in touch soon.
Summer Camps
Get ready for an exciting summer filled with adventure, learning, and fun! Our 2026 summer camps are designed to engage, inspire, and create lasting memories for children of all ages. Whether your child loves exploring the outdoors, diving into STEM activities, unleashing their creativity in the arts, or making new friends, we have something for everyone.
With hands-on experiences, expert mentors, and a safe, welcoming environment, our camps provide the perfect balance of learning and play. Give your child the opportunity to discover new passions, build confidence, and make the most of their summer.
Help Little Minds Grow
Support Early Education and Empower Families
Your donation to YWCA Utah helps provide critical early education and intervention services through the Lolie Eccles Early Education Center. By supporting children, including those from families overcoming domestic violence, you empower women, strengthen families, and create brighter futures for our community. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive world.
Contact us.
Hours: M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
Phone: 801-537-5500 | TTY 711
344 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111