Early Childhood Directions

NAEYC accredited early learning programAccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Early Childhood Directions (ECD) Program is a multi-age care center that provides a continuum of developmental childcare from infancy through pre-kindergarten. 

The ECD Program gives priority to Saint John's Health Center and surrounding medical building employees, then Santa Monica residents, then other applicants.

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Our Approach

Children seated as preschool teacher reads book

The ECD Program and educator recognizes that children do best by initiating their own activities, discovering the world around them and creating relationships with their peers and their teachers. Promoting children’s individual growth helps children develop their own skills in areas of conflict resolution and intra-personal growth.

Our environment is both rich in materials as well as content of program. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere that recognizes each child as the special person he or she is, and to provide a strong family support – creating a true linkage between home and our child care program.

We recognize the importance of the parent as the child’s first teacher and the sharing of that role as a vital tool of success for early development.  By creating a solid bond between the home and school environments we are able to strengthen the foundation that is needed for children to grow and flourish with the highest levels of self esteem and the quest for knowledge.

Early Childhood Directions is an important part of the Saint John’s Health Center and Child & Family Development Center through its high level of commitment to children and families.

2023-2024 Tuition Schedule*

  • Room A - Infant Room: $2,025
  • Room B - Older Preschool Room: $1,475
  • Room C - Younger Preschool Room: $1,475
  • Room D - Toddler Room: $1,850

*Our tuition rates are lower in cost to comparable licensed early care and educations programs in the City of Santa Monica.

Other fees

  • Application Fee: $100
  • Enrollment Fee: $250
  • Earthquake Fee: $25
  • Late Pick-up Fee: $10 first time, $20 second time, $30 third time (hours adjusted)

Contact Us

For more information, contact Program Director Laura Benavente by email or call 310-829-8679.

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