Business Details
16 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Elkhart, IN
Founded in March 2010, Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence has grown to serve families across five locations in Indiana. Our mission centers on providing safe, affordable, and high-quality early education tailored to working families. We prioritize child safety through advanced RFID entry systems, exterior and interior security cameras, and secure facilities. Our team of qualified educators, including professionals with advanced degrees and decades of combined experience, delivers a research-based curriculum focused on hands-on learning and holistic development.Partnering with Brightwheel, we offer real-time parent-teacher communication to foster collaboration. With NAEYC accreditation, we uphold rigorous standards in early childhood education, ensuring every child receives a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Before/After School Programs
Summer Programs
Parent-Teacher Communication App
Secure Child Care Facilities
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- NAEYC-accredited programs ensuring educational excellence
- Advanced RFID security systems and monitored facilities
- Educators with advanced degrees and decades of experience
- Brightwheel app for real-time parent-teacher communication
- Research-based curriculum fostering hands-on learning
Associations and certifications
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our early childhood education programs cater to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, focusing on foundational skills through play-based learning. Certified educators design age-appropriate activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. Each classroom emphasizes safety, creativity, and structured routines to prepare children for future academic success.
Before/After School Programs
Designed for children aged 5-10, these programs offer supervised care before and after school hours. Activities include homework assistance, STEM projects, and physical play to support academic growth and social skills. Transportation to local schools is provided, ensuring convenience for working families while maintaining a safe, engaging environment.
Summer Programs
Our summer programs provide structured, educational activities for children aged 5-10 during school breaks. Themed weeks, outdoor exploration, and enrichment classes keep children engaged while preventing learning loss. Certified staff ensure a balance of fun and academic continuity in a secure, nurturing setting.
Parent-Teacher Communication App
The Brightwheel app enables real-time updates on children's milestones, photos, and daily activities. Parents receive instant notifications about their child's progress and can communicate directly with teachers. This tool strengthens home-school collaboration, ensuring families stay informed and involved in their child's educational journey.
Secure Child Care Facilities
All locations feature advanced security measures, including RFID access systems, exterior and interior cameras, and locked facilities. These protocols ensure only authorized individuals interact with children while maintaining a welcoming environment. Regular safety drills and staff training further reinforce our commitment to child protection.
People
Jennifer Paholak
Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer holds a Master's in Early Childhood Education and has over 20 years of experience in academia and classroom teaching. She founded Foundations to create developmentally appropriate learning environments that prioritize child safety and educator support.
Tricia Pendleton
Director of Operations
Tricia has 15+ years in early childhood education, including roles as program director and preschool teacher. She oversees operations with a focus on staff development and maintaining high educational standards across all locations.
Winnie O'Connell
Program Director
Winnie brings 12 years of classroom experience and a degree in early childhood education. She mentors staff and implements curricula that emphasize holistic child development at the Grant Street location.
Tori McGrogan
Program Director
Tori holds a Master's in Social Work and specializes in social-emotional development. She leads the DeCamp Ave. program, integrating academic and emotional support to help children thrive in all areas.
Will Paholak
Director of Sales and Marketing
With a decade in sales, Will connects families with tailored child care solutions. He builds community partnerships to expand accessible, high-quality care options for working parents and local businesses.
Questions
Is Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence accredited?
Yes, we are nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring adherence to rigorous educational standards.
What are your operating hours?
Hours vary by location, generally 4:30 AM–5:30 PM Monday–Friday. All centers close on weekends and major holidays like New Year's Day and Thanksgiving.
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 6 weeks to 10 years, offering programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children across our five Indiana locations.
How do you ensure child safety?
We use RFID access systems, exterior and interior security cameras, and locked facilities. Staff undergo regular safety training to maintain a secure environment for all children.
What curriculum do you use?
Our research-based curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, creativity, and critical thinking. It aligns with NAEYC standards and is tailored to meet developmental needs at every age.
How can parents stay informed about their child's progress?
The Brightwheel app provides real-time updates on milestones, photos, and activities. Parents can also communicate directly with teachers and access detailed program calendars.
