About Us

The Clinton Early Learning Center opened its doors in 1973, nestled on the Hamilton College campus as a small daycare program.  In 2015 we relocated to the Clinton Elementary School, maintaining our unique and special relationship with the college.  In 2016 the center expanded once more, providing a much-needed school-age program for the Clinton community.  

 Now, in Spring 2025, our Early Childhood program has returned to the Hamilton College campus, moving into a newly renovated facility. Meanwhile, our school-age program will continue to operate at the Clinton Elementary School. 

Our Vision
The Clinton Early Learning Center, located in the heart of Clinton, NY, offers high quality care programs for children from infancy to 5 years old in our 4 classrooms: the Den (infants), the Hive (toddlers), The Nest (preschool), and the Burrow (pre-K).

 Our School-Age Program offers before and after school care for children between 5-12 years old, who are enrolled in the Clinton Elementary School. Children can attend our vacation camps during scheduled school closures.

We provide children with nurturing care and enriching education experiences that foster the growth of the "Whole Child", promoting children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The CELC welcomes all families and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and caring school environment in which all children, their families, and the staff are valued and respected.

Our Mission

Our focus is to help each child develop a curiosity of learning by providing a safe and stimulating environment that encourages active exploration.

Teachers set up spaces with invitations to play that foster curiosity, enthusiastic learning, wonder and joy. We strive to build a solid foundation with every child in all areas of development to create successful learners.