Mary Ford Early Learning and Family Center (MFEL& FC) is committed to helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We create a safe, well-prepared, and intentional learning environment designed to ensure every child's success. By fostering curiosity, exploration, and self-expression, our students become actively engaged participants in their learning journey.
Our exceptional team of professionals is dedicated to meeting each student's unique academic, social-emotional, and physical needs. We embrace a whole-child approach, combining individualized support with evidence-based instruction to meet the needs of each child. To promote student well-being, we actively involve families as partners in education, working together to nurture, advocate for, and ensure equitable access to high-quality early learning.
MFEL&FC is grounded in the principles of Conscious Discipline, empowering children and families with the tools to build emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and confidence. As a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited school and a Cognia Early Learning Accredited site, we recognize and respect how children grow, learn, and thrive.
In pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, teachers work diligently with individual students, small groups, and whole classes, differentiating instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of their students. In kindergarten, our core literacy curriculum is Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), a state-approved program. It builds foundational skills and content knowledge through modules integrating science, social studies, literature, history, and geography. Students also engage in Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, a 35-week, research-based program that strengthens phonological and phonemic awareness.
In mathematics, kindergarten students engage with Eureka Math, a coherent and rigorous program that builds deep conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through sequenced instruction. Additionally, we use the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP)—a formative assessment system grounded in mathematics education research that helps identify student misconceptions and guide responsive instruction.
In pre-kindergarten, teachers implement Creative Curriculum, a comprehensive, play-based program that emphasizes social-emotional development and academic readiness through intentional units of study. These experiences help children become communicators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Pre-kindergarten students also participate in Heggerty Phonemic Awareness to support early literacy development. For math instruction, pre-kindergarten students interact with the Bridges Mathematics program. This engaging and developmentally appropriate program builds early numeracy through hands-on exploration of number sense, patterns, geometry, and measurement.
All students participate in Academic Arts, which provides enriching experiences to support the development of the whole child. These include the STEM Lab, where students explore and inquire into science and math; the Media Center, which fosters a love of reading and digital literacy; Physical Education, which promotes physical health and teamwork; Music and Art, which encourage creativity and cultural appreciation; and Guidance, where students learn essential social-emotional and character-building skills. Field trips are also strategically planned throughout the year to deepen classroom learning and provide real-world connections.
Our teachers maintain strong communication with families through newsletters, Class Dojo, emails, and text messages. They are also available for in-person or virtual meetings as needed and connect with families via Zoom, Class Dojo, or Google Meet to review student progress, expectations, strengths, and areas of concern. Families actively participate in school-sponsored events such as Literacy Nights, Math Nights, STEM Nights, Read Across America, and the Week of the Young Child. The foundation of our family engagement is the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), whose members generously contribute their time, talents, and resources to enhance school-wide activities and celebrations.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of this school year, we remain deeply committed to building a foundation that supports every child's potential and promise. With the collective dedication of our educators, families, and community partners, Mary Ford Early Learning and Family Center continues to be a place where young learners are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. We look forward to the year ahead with renewed energy, unwavering purpose, and a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed.
Loretta Hart, Principal
Latoya Hall, SIC Chairperson
