High-Quality Early Education for Every Child.

High-Quality Early Childhood Education Rooted in Equity, Safety, and Belonging

The Lolie Eccles Early Education Center (LEEEC) at YWCA Utah is a trusted, inclusive, and trauma-informed early learning program for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, our full-day, year-round care supports working families with nurturing teachers, research-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community.

Our mission is simple: to prepare children for lifelong success through safe, enriching experiences—and to meet families where they are with support, respect, and compassion.

At YWCA Utah’s Lolie Eccles Early Education Center (LEEEC), we are committed to providing high-quality, trauma-informed early childhood education that nurtures resilience and promotes growth. As an NAEYC-accredited center, we uphold the highest standards in care and learning, offering a safe and enriching environment tailored to the needs of working families and child survivors of domestic violence.

Our programs integrate evidence-based, trauma-sensitive practices to support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Guided by the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, LEEEC serves as a cornerstone for building strong, inclusive communities where every child can thrive.

Why Families Choose LEEEC ↘

  1. NAEYC-accredited, ensuring the highest quality standards in early education

  2. Trauma-informed classrooms and inclusive practices for all families

  3. Scholarships for low-income child survivors of domestic violence

  4. Full-day, year-round care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years

5. Highly trained and compassionate teachers with ongoing professional development

6. Nutritious meals and snacks provided daily, aligned with USDA Child Nutrition Program

7. Enrichment opportunities including yoga, Spanish, cooking, and field trips

8. On-site Kindergarten and extended care to support working families

Curriculum That Supports the Whole Child

Our teaching approach blends:

  • Creative Curriculum® for developmentally appropriate, play-based learning

  • Starfall Education to build strong pre-literacy and early math skills

  • Alignment with Utah’s Pre-K and Kindergarten Standards and Common Core

We integrate literacy, math, science, social-emotional development, art, and movement across all classrooms. Through both teacher-guided instruction and child-led exploration, your child builds critical thinking, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

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.

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

  • Caterpillar 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

  • Butterflies Class: 12 months–2 years | Ratio 1:5

    Toddlers spread their wings through active exploration.

    Focus: language bursts, social play, movement, emotional skills

  • Lilies Class: 2–3 years | Ratio 1:8

    Roaring confidence, independence, and potty training support.

    Focus: routines, friendships, letters, numbers, and early science

  • Tulips Class: 3–4 years | Ratio 1:12

    Preschoolers dive into pre-reading, math, science & self-regulation.

    Focus: literacy, early writing, curiosity, cooperation

  • Dragonflies & Honeybees Classes: 4–5 years | Ratio 1:12

    Our oldest learners prepare for lift-off into kindergarten and beyond. Focus: academic readiness, peer leadership, and creativity

  • Kindergarten | 5–6 years | Ratio 1:12

    Confident learners building academic skills, independence, and strong peer connections.

    Focus: literacy, math, leadership, and emotional growth

Explore Our Programs

Summer Camps

Get ready for an exciting summer filled with adventure, learning, and fun! Our 2025 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.

Want To Learn More? ↘

For information about tuition, community resources, and the Parent Handbook, head over to the parent resource page.

Download our parent handbook for detailed information.

View the school calendar for information about holidays and teacher development days.

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.

Support our work

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