Start Strong
Early Learning
We believe every child deserves a strong start. NDUEC’s Early Learning Program prepares children ages 4 and 5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten for success in school and life. Through a nurturing, play-based environment, children develop early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while building confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Our curriculum promotes kindergarten readiness through small-group instruction, hands-on learning experiences, structured play, and meaningful social interaction in a safe and supportive setting. Students engage in:
- Whole-group instruction
- Small-group, skill-based learning activities
- Literacy and math enrichment
- Child-directed exploration in learning centers
- Reflection and discussion of daily experiences
To ensure individualized attention, enrollment is limited to 12 students. Once capacity is reached, a waitlist will be established.
2026-2027 Schedule
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Thursday, May 13, 2027
- 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Monday through Thursday
- Snacks are provided
- Meet the Teacher & Parent Orientation: September 1, 2026, from 9 AM – 10 AM
Registration Fee
A one-time $100.00 registration fee is due upon each child’s enrollment. You can pay by check or click here to pay via PayPal or credit card. Alternatively, you can Venmo a payment to @UrbanEddie. Please be sure to list your child’s name in the memo line. If you are a Lincoln Grant Scholar House resident, please click here to pay the discounted registration fee.
You will receive an email confirming that your registration has been submitted. A NUDEC staff member will contact you to inform you that your child(ren) has been guaranteed a spot in the program.
Early Learning Partnership
NDUEC is proud to partner with Read Ready Covington, a city-wide early literacy initiative dedicated to helping families, caregivers, and educators prepare young children for success in school and life. Through free access to educational resources and learning applications, including Footsteps2Brilliance® and Clever Kids University, Read Ready Covington fosters a culture of literacy and lifelong learning throughout the community.
As part of this partnership, NDUEC enhances its Early Learning curriculum by incorporating these engaging digital tools into classroom instruction. Our Early Learning teacher monitors each child’s progress throughout the year, allowing for individualized support and reinforcing the literacy skills essential for kindergarten readiness.
