I was ecstatic when I got a call from the ELC saying they had a spot for my four month old, I'd been on their waiting list for 9 months-- people who are NOT EVEN PREGNANT YET are on that list! My daughter was at a Bright Horizons facility, which was far from work and with a room teacher who was capable but seemingly unenthusiastic.
The ELC has excellent staff, Stephanie loved my daughter like she was her own, and my daughter was excited to see her in the mornings and didn't care that I had to go (what a relief!). There are three infant rooms, in mine they would make seasonal take home crafts. There is a high level of parental involvement encouraged with parent-teacher meetings and holiday gatherings, they had a thanksgiving lunch for example, prepared on site parents just came, ate and played with their kids.
The ELC is a research facility for the University of Delaware and as such they are different than other facilities, your child is not obligated to participate in research other than observation. Each room has a one way observation mirror, there are college students visiting and observing constantly which I think adds an extra boost of energy to the place. They provide full meals with tuition, designed by a dietitian, I found this to be one of the most helpful perks. As a first time mom I didn't know that babies could or would eat AND I didn't have to worry about food on top of everything else I was juggling. They also have a very cozy breastfeeding room.
The facility has excellent security, you have to be buzzed in and if you go unrecognized identity is verified by an on file photo. read more