Colts Neck Reformed Church Early Learning Center

08/18/2026

Development follows a sequence not a schedule.
When in doubt, watch your child NOT the calendar💛

08/18/2026

Such a great reminder! Why we do what we do!

Fred Rogers reminded us that “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. At various times, play is a way to cope with life and to prepare for adulthood. Playing is a way to solve problems and to express feelings. In fact, play is the real work of childhood.”

Research shows that play is how children…
- Share their feelings
- Learn about the world around them
- Build relationships
- Feel a sense of agency and control
- Develop important life skills

Check out this clinical report, which was reaffirmed January 2025, to learn more about the research behind the importance of play: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20182058/38649/The-Power-of-Play-A-Pediatric-Role-in-Enhancing?autologincheck=redirected

Citation: Michael Yogman, Andrew Garner, Jeffrey Hutchinson, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Council on Communications and Media; The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics September 2018; 142 (3): e20182058. 10.1542/peds.2018-2058

06/09/2026

It has been a very busy spring- with Mother’s Day teas, music programs, bubble shows and even a daddy and me field day. This morning however was extremely special! This morning we celebrated the culmination of our cereal donation drive with the domino fall of cereal boxes! With the Colts Neck Reformed Church joining in this year, we collected over 170 boxes of cereal (and several bags of other non-perishables). We also would like to thank First Watch restaurant in Eatontown for the free kid's meal coupons they offered as an incentive for donations.
Before the boxes fell, we briefly talked about children in our area who may not have breakfast once school is over and how the generosity of our families may give them a nutritious breakfast at home over the summer.
Thank you all so much for your contributions. We donated 750 pounds of food today! Lunch Break of Red Bank was very grateful.
Hopefully our children are learning how meaningful it can be when we all try to take care of each other.

04/23/2026

Bring your child to work day holds a special place in our heart here at CNRCELC! One of the things that makes our school so special is that most of our staff were parents here first. This special day brings alumni back year after year!