Gateway Early
Childcare Center

Nurturing hearts and minds through literacy, faith, and discovery.

ECC Core Focus: Nurturing Hearts & Minds Through Literacy

At Gateway Early Child Care Center, we believe the earliest years are the most foundational for a child’s development. Our central focus, Nurturing Hearts & Minds Through Literacy, is deeply rooted in this belief and our commitment to fostering well-rounded, compassionate, and brilliant young learners.

For our infants, toddlers, junior toddlers, and two-year-olds, every day is an adventure of discovery. We are passionate about language and literacy because we understand that words are the building blocks of thought, communication, and imagination. From the moment they arrive, children are immersed in a world rich with stories, sounds, and vibrant conversations, laying a robust foundation for future academic success and a lifelong love of learning. A cherished part of our program is having our very own Mrs. Shoulders lead story time with our reading friend, Tucker the turtle. The children love their time with Tucker, and he can even be found in our lobby to greet everyone.

Beyond just words, our focus on nurturing hearts reflects our dedication to the whole child. Inspired by the profound wisdom found in the word of God and with support from the Virginia Quality Birth Through Five program, we guide our little ones in developing kindness, empathy, respect, and a strong sense of self. We believe that by integrating these core values with their cognitive growth, we equip them not only with the skills to learn, but also with the character to thrive in the world.

Through engaging read-alouds, interactive storytelling, and a language-rich environment enriched by our partnership with the Virginia Beach Public Library’s story time, we open up new worlds for our children. This approach, which intertwines early literacy with essential life values, ensures that we are not just teaching children to read, but teaching them to love learning, to understand their world, and to grow into thoughtful, joyful individuals. We are dedicated to setting them on a great foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery.

ECC Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Building a foundation of faith, excellence, and community to nurture every child’s spirit and mind. We partner with families to inspire confident, joyful learners prepared for a lifetime of discovery.

Vision

Our vision is to be recognized as a premier early childhood center in our community, known for our exceptional care and our joyful, highly trained, and dedicated teachers. We aspire to be a place where every child and family feels loved, and every graduate is confident and ready for a lifetime of learning and discovery.

Mission

Our mission is to provide a loving and high-quality early learning experience for infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds. We are grounded in our core values of faith, excellence, relationships, and community. We partner with families and community organizations to prepare children to thrive spiritually and academically for their next educational step at Gateway Academy.

Core Values

Faith: We believe every child is a unique and capable learner, a precious gift from God. Our faith is at the heart of our identity, guiding our commitment to nurturing children spiritually. This means we nurture your child’s spirit with love and compassion, celebrating the unique gifts they bring.

Excellence: We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and education, from our secure environment to the professional development of our teachers. We believe children learn best through hands-on exploration and a child-initiated environment. This means we are constantly working to provide a safe and stimulating space where your child can thrive and be their best self.

Relationships: We are committed to building strong, lasting connections with every child, family, and staff member. We believe that a supportive community is the foundation of all learning. This means your child will be in a place where they feel known, safe, and truly connected to their teachers and peers.

Community: We actively partner with families and local organizations to create a strong network of support. We work with organizations like the Virginia Beach Public Library, Infant and Toddler Connection, and the Virginia Department of Education to ensure your child receives the best preparation. This means your family is not just a customer; you’re a valued partner in your child’s development, supported by a caring network.