The Block Island Early Learning Center

The original center was founded in 1977 and operated as a private nursery school by the Town of New Shoreham. In 2002 the center moved to the then new Old Harbor Meadow community center building where services were expanded to include a preschool and child care program. BIELC is licensed by the State of Rhode Island. We are funded by tuition, support from the Town of New Shoreham, and private donations. We have an active fundraising schedule that includes the annual Toy Boat Race, The Pasta Dinner and Holiday Basket Raffle.
The Early Learning Center is housed in half of the Old Harbor Meadow Community Center building that was built in 2002 and is still run by the Block Island Economic Development group. Located behind Aldo's in the center of old harbor, children enjoy the privacy of being off the street while having easy access to community activities and natural resources. Classes may walk to the library or take our van to visit Andy's Way for nature exploration. The large classroom boasts an atrium and all the rooms have large, low windows allowing for plenty of natural lighting. The building meets ADA guidelines.

We believe that children learn through the play that is the foundation of their experience here. Curriculum, guided by the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards, is integrated into play throughout the day, during both structured activities and free play.

We value individual differences and actively include children and families of all ethnic, family, religious, economic and cultural orientations, as well as children with a range of special differences.

Children who come to school speaking a language other than English, are introduced to their second language, as their first language and culture are honored through the use of familiar words in their first language.