United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Philadelphia VA Regional Office & Insurance Center (VAROIC)

Academy for Early Learning (AEL)

VA employees with the strong support and encouragement of top management established the Academy for Early Learning (AEL) in June 1986.  The first on-site day care center at a VBA facility, it offers day care services for children of employees and the community.  Since its establishment,  AEL has expanded from 6 to its present enrollment of 110 children.

AEL offers care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.  A state licensed facility, AEL curriculum is based on the developmental level of the children.  The curriculum integrates music, dance, language development, art, math, social studies and science.  It provides a computer enrichment program designed for children 3 to 6 years of age.  The educational software used in the program provides each child with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for future academic achievement.

In September 2001, AEL received national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Accreditation by NAEYC is the highest recognition of the quality care that AEL is recognized as providing.