The Holway Early Childhood Centers (ECC) got creative this spring in providing crucial development for Lasell University's youngest students.

For toddlers and preschoolers enrolled at Rockwell Preschool or The Barn, Google classroom and Zoom sessions became the new normal. An array of activities was adapted to fit the digital classroom and replicate the kind of learning they were used to on site. From science experiments to letter games, puppet story time, music parties, and meditation, each activity was modified so that students could learn in a fun, engaging way while adhering to social distancing protocols.  

ECC Director Kellee Miller and her staff were prepared to provide daily programming in the new virtual format. They took it a step further by blending live sessions with prerecorded programs to help parents flex between their own work schedules and those of their children.  

"We offered a range of live activities for those who could join at that time, and made sure to regularly update our list of prerecorded programs and YouTube resources as well," said Miller.  

Those resources included recorded meet-and-greets with community helpers, show and tell hours, directed drawing exercises, and bedtime stories. Live session scavenger hunts, cooking and baking activities, language lessons, story times, and dance/music classes kept programming fresh for students.  

The Holway Early Learning Centers are temporarily closed at this time, but efforts continue to support students and their families.