Early Learning Center of Aspen

The Early Learning Center of Aspen offers infancy through Pre-K childcare and early childhood education. Its program includes gymnastics, soccer lessons, Music with Tammy, swimming lessons, Library Story Hour, art museum field trips and classroom art projects, S.T.E.M. activities, and ACES outdoor education. The center is a play-based early childhood education program and does not offer drop-ins or seasonal care.

Programs

• Infancy through Pre-K childcare and early childhood education — infancy through Pre-K · Play-based early childhood education; community-driven nonprofit childcare center; no drop-ins or seasonal care available.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• General schedule: Year-round, excluding all major holidays. No drop-ins or seasonal care available. Care is offered for two to five days a week, Monday through Friday.
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:15 pm

About the provider

The Early Learning Center of Aspen has provided quality care and education for local children since 1991. It is a community-driven nonprofit childcare center and is a Colorado Shines Level 4 rated program. Its mission is to provide nurturing, play-based early childhood education for children from infancy through Pre-K and to support children, educators, and families through inclusive, creative, and individualized learning experiences.

• Gymnastics — toddler-PreK · Gross motor development through gymnastics at the Aspen Red Brick.
• Soccer — Toddlers-PreK · Soccer lessons are provided at a discounted price and are held during school.
• Music with Tammy — infant classrooms-PreK · Music and singing for students.
• Swimming — preschool age children · Swimming lessons at the Aspen Recreation Center; teachers take preschool age children for class one day a week through the summer.
• Library Story Hour — Language and storytelling at the Pitkin County Library.
• Art Museum field trips and classroom art projects — Frequent field trips and classroom art projects encourage creative expression.
• S.T.E.M. — In collaboration with the Aspen Science Center children are introduced to the world of STEM learning.
• ACES outdoor education — Outdoor education at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies inspires exploration for all ages.
• Adopt a Classroom — Adopt a classroom and help provide books, materials, experiences, and everyday moments for children.

Currently taking applications for enrollment. There is generally always a waitlist for admittance. Families must apply to be added to the waitlist; phone calls, emails, and drop-ins do not add a family to the waitlist. Priority is given to current families, alumni families whose children graduated from the PreK classroom, and teachers’ children. Drop off is between 8:00AM and 9:00AM; pick up is between 4:30PM and 5:15PM.

What families say

“We are grateful to the ELC for offering in-town, community-focused, economical childcare for our children. The ELC feels like being part of the Aspen community. It is inclusive and offers great care during hours that support our working family.” — ELC Parent

“One of my favorite parts about the Early Learning Center is its diversity in programming. And because it's centrally located, it's not only convenient for me with work, but it allows our children to interact with the Aspen community—whether at one of several local parks or on a walk through town.” — ELC Parent

“Our daughter feels at home at the ELC. The teachers and staff are all loving caregivers who create a safe, structured learning environment. The hours and calendar fit the needs of a working family. It's a great little school in the heart of our community.” — ELC Parent

Last updated November 4, 2026.