We are pleased to share that we have a new position at the ELC created specifically for families. We have been strategically moving towards an administrative model with specialists built in supporting children, educators, and families. This Family Support Specialist (FSS) completes our model and is a dream come true! Our FSS will intentionally partner with our State Funded Program, monitor our state-required child screening process, and provide family resources, partnership, and engagement center-wide.

After an extensive search, we have found the perfect person for this critical role. We are pleased to welcome Debra Fletcher as the ELC’s first FSS! Debra joined the team on June 1^st and has been hard at work getting to know UD and the ELC. Her office is the first space as you enter the Infant/Toddler wing - right next to Ms. Chevelloni’s office. Debra is looking forward to meeting you. She is working with Sarah at the front desk each night this week if you would like to stop by and welcome her to the ELC!

Here is a message from Debra...

Hello Early Learning Center Families and Staff!

My name is Debra Fletcher, and I am thrilled to join the Early Learning Center family as the Family Support Specialist. I am a proud graduate of Delaware State University, where I earned my degree in Social Work, and I have been fortunate to use that degree in a variety of meaningful ways throughout my career.

My journey began as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), and over the past 16 years, I have had the privilege of supporting children, individuals, and families through experiences involving mental health group homes, foster care, housing challenges, and domestic violence services. These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping families access resources, build connections, and navigate life challenges with confidence and support.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the amazing children, families, and staff here at the Early Learning Center. I look forward to learning, growing, and building meaningful partnerships with all of you. My door is always open, and I welcome opportunities to connect, whether it's a planned meeting or a quick pop-in to say hello!

A little about me beyond my professional role:

Fun Facts About Ms. Debra-

🎱 Every now and then, you can find me at a billiards table trying to perfect my pool game.

🔐 Escape rooms are one of my favorite group activities. I love a good puzzle and the challenge of working together to solve it!

🌱 For the very first time, I've successfully grown plants from seed to plant, including tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, rosemary, and onions. I'm cheering them on and hoping they make it all the way to harvest season!

☕ I absolutely love tea. In fact, my collection became so large that I had to put myself on a tea-buying pause (at least temporarily!).

🧩 My free time often includes jigsaw puzzles, cryptograms, board games, and family game nights. If there's a challenge to solve or a game to play, I'm probably interested.

🏃‍♀️ My favorite sport to watch is track and field. There's nothing like the excitement of a great race or an incredible finish!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I am the youngest of 10 children, with 7 sisters and 2 brothers. Our family continues to grow, and I'm blessed to be an aunt to 16 nieces and nephews, plus 2 great-nieces and 1 great-nephew.

⭐ Fun family trivia: Assistant Teacher Ms. Annette Fletcher is my sister! Together, we had the exciting opportunity to represent both our family and the state of Delaware on Family Feud with Steve Harvey.

I am excited to get to know each of you and become part of this wonderful community. Please don't hesitate to introduce yourself when you see me—I look forward to meeting you!

Warmly,

Debra Fletcher

Family Support Specialist

Retirement News

It is with great love that we share that Ruthann Parsons, Infant 5, will be retiring this summer on July 31st after 19 amazing years at the ELC. Ruthann has been a tireless champion for infants, toddlers and their families and a dear friend to all of us. It has always been Ruthann’s hope to be more readily available to help her family and to be there for her grandchildren. She is looking forward to this next chapter playing with her grandchildren!

In her letter, Ruthann states that she is going to miss everyone and that the ELC will always have a piece of her heart. She shared that the Infant and Toddler team has been her savior so many times…and we think we speak for absolutely everyone when we say that she has been our savior too. Ruthann is well known not only for her beautiful work in the classroom, but for making everyone feel special and heard. Please join us in thanking Ruthann for her outstanding service and in wishing her much joy and love as she steps away from the ELC.

Wishing Well

Vilde Ronning, Infant 1, will be leaving the ELC. Her last day is June 13th. Vilde and her husband are moving back home to Norway! While we are thrilled for Vilde and her entire family…we will miss her terribly. Vilde joined the ELC part time team in September 2021 and quickly moved into a full-time position on the Infant/Toddler team that December. Vilde is amazing. If you have been lucky enough to spend time with her- then you know firsthand the magic, calm, and beauty she gracefully carries with her.  

She writes in her resignation letter - "This was not an easy decision as leaving the US and the ELC means saying goodbye to a place that has meant a great deal to me. However, I am looking forward to being closer to my family in Norway. I have grown so much as an educator, and I will always value the experience of being part of such a special and unique community."

Please join us in thanking Vilde for her excellent time here and in wishing her much love on her next adventure!

Welcome aboard!

We are thrilled to share that we have hired a new classroom assistant for Infant Room 1 Adia Veith joined the full-time team on June 1st! Many know Adia as she has been a member of our part time team since March 2025. Adia recently graduated UD with a degree in English. The fun fact about Adia is that she has multiple ECE courses under her belt and found her passion in life by working at the ELC! Adia fell in love with infants- and absolutely jumped when she found out there was an opening. Please join us in welcoming Adia!

At the front desk we are happy to welcome back Alicia Lambe and welcome aboard Devin Everhart. Both joining us to help support our admin team with our many summer tasks and activities as well as to cover much deserved time off for Susie and Sarah J!

Friendly reminder to be sure to travel with your photo ID as our front desk learns everyones faces!

Starting TOMORROW Thursday June 11th DelDOT has announced the closure of the bridge on Rt. 72 (Library Avenue) over the Amtrak railroad lines (north of Farm Lane), for repairs to the bridge. 

The closure will be in effect for about eight weeks. Expect delays and detours on Rt. 72 during this time.

We have learned that traffic will be rerouted off Library Avenue SR 72 at the Ogletown Road intersection. The detour will follow Ogletown Road SR 273, to Chestnut Hill Road SR 4, then back to S Chapel St. SR 72. Wyoming Road will remain open during this time.

What does this mean for the ELC?

• Increase in traffic on Wyoming Road and surrounding area
• Unpredictable commute times to ELC in morning and evening
• Possible increase in difficulty turning into and out form the ELC parking lot

How can School Family help during this time?

• Plan ahead for increased traffic and build in extra commute time
• Tell your people! It is critical for all pick-up people to arrive safely and by 6pm.
• Follow all safety protocols in parking lot. This is important every day and critical this summer as we navigate challenges on the surrounding roads. 

For more information on the bridge work, please visit the DelDOT website at www.deldot.gov. 



Thank you in advance for your patience and partnership!

The ELC is celebrating it's 22nd anniversary TOMORROW Thursday June 11th! We welcome everyone to join us in wearing UD BLUE and GOLD or any ELC attire you might have!

There will be sweet treat for this children in the afternoon to celebrate 22 years of the ELC being leaders in early education and providing high quality early care to the greater Newark community!

We are officially jumping into some summertime routines! Each morning please be sure that your child is arriving to school fully sun screened and dressed appropriately for the weather! We spend much of our morning and afternoons outside exploring, splashing and having a fantastic time!

Water/Sprinkler Days!

Infants: Tuesdays and Thursdays all summer!

Toddlers: Wednesday all summer starting on June 17th

Preschool/PreK: Tuesdays and Thursdays all summer!

School Age: Mondays & Wednesday's (6/22 is the first day of camp and sprinkler day is will be Tuesday and Wednesday for only the first week!)

As we enter into summer schedules will be changing for many families. Please keep in mind the importance of routines for young children as they are developing! Children benefit from regular attendance and arriving on time for the education components and the routines of the day! We highly encourage children be settled into the classroom by 9:30am (or 8:45am if they are eating breakfast!)

Time to check out your child's cubby! Time to take home winter wear and bring in a spare change of summer clothes!

As the weather warms up, please dress your child in comfortable, play-friendly clothing that allows them to explore, move, and enjoy outdoor activities safely. We recommend lightweight clothing, closed-toe shoes, and the optional hat for extra sun protection.

Please avoid flip-flops and open-toed sandals, clothing that is too long or restrictive, and accessories that may become a safety hazard during active play. Remember to label all belongings and pack an extra set of seasonally appropriate clothes in your child's cubby or backpack.

Please read the following information about Crocs that was developed by Pediatric Physical Therapist, Tracy Stoner- we partner with her as she sees multiple children in our building! 

The Truth about Crocs

• Crocs do NOT provide adequate support in the heel needed for balance and coordination during walking, running, climbing, and jumping.
• Crocs cause toes to work overtime trying to grip the shoe and can impact the development of toes overtime.
• Crocs do NOT provide adequate arch support and can contribute to tripping and falling
• Crocs LACK support at the heel and can easily slip off especially if the heel loop is pushed forward and the shoe is worn as a slide.
• Crocs can negatively impact a child’s gross motor skills including balance and coordination

When choosing a shoe – please look for the following

• Good arch support
• Flexible soles
• Cushioned insoles
• Snug fitting shoe around the foot to provide boundaries
• If looking for a sandal choose a closed toe style

Crocs should be limited to wearing around the house or to the pool and open toed sandals should be limited to going out to dinner or to a fancy event

Thank you for helping us keep our ELC comfortable, safe, and ready for a fun-filled summer of learning and play!

Please click the button below to access the US Consumer Product Safety Commissions Site with up to date information about recalled items.

New Additions:

• TOMY Recalls Boon NURSH 8 oz Reusable Baby Bottles Due to Choking Hazard; Sold at Walmart
• Bicycle Helmets Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Head Injury; Violates Mandatory Standard for Bicycle Helmets; Sold on Amazon by Gudook Outdoor Sports
• Tiny Land Children’s Play Tents Recalled Due to Risk of Injury from Irritation to Skin and Eyes



More products and information at link below-

• June 19th - Juneteenth - ELC Closed
• July 2nd - ELC Closed @ 12pm
• July 3rd - ELC Closed

Kelly Freel kfreel@udel.edu • Jessica Peace jpeace@udel.edu

University of Delaware Early Learning Center

 www.elc.udel.edu