History
Middleton Early Learning Center boasts a long-standing tradition of educational excellence and loving care. Founded in 1972 by Kathleen Middleton, the program is based on tested principles of early childhood education, including Montessori, British Infant schools, Reggio Emilia, Piaget and other recognized early childhood authorities.
Read more about MELC through the years
Our school environment
At Middleton Early Learning Center, your child will have access to superior facilities and materials, and will be exposed to many new experiences and activities – all of which are carefully chosen and planned. Our teachers, experienced professional educators who know and care about children, are guided in the use of these resources by their desire to meet your child’s particular interests and learning needs.
Our classrooms offer a unique, responsive environment that helps children develop confidence in themselves and in their abilities. Each child creates her/his own learning experiences from carefully chosen materials displayed on shelves arranged into interest centers. There are areas for mathematics, language, reading-readiness, role-play, manipulative, sensory-tactile materials, practical life skills, creative arts, social studies, block play, science, physical education, books and music.
As your child learns to make choices, s/he will develop critical thinking skills, become self-motivated, confident and independent. Our school’s atmosphere encourages exploration and experimentation, curiosity and creativity. Interaction with other children and teachers will help your child develop social skills that all youngsters need to function successfully in their expanding world.
Our community
Middleton Early Learning Center serves the towns of Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Montclair, East Orange and surrounding communities.