Contact the Early Learning and Development Center
Enrollment application
Thank you for your interest in the Early Learning and Development Center! The ELDC prioritizes enrollment for NAU student-parents, then NAU faculty and staff, then the broader community. We are currently accepting inquiries for children aged two to five (2–5). If your child is not age two, you may apply 90 days prior to your child turning age two. *Student-parents who have a child under the age of 2 should visit our ELDC Scholarship page to find opportunities for childcare assistance.
How do we maintain our waitlists? Accordion Closed
We maintain a waitlist according to the following priorities:
- siblings of current and previously enrolled children
- children of NAU students
- children of NAU faculty or staff
- children from the greater community
Special considerations for prioritized enrollment will be made for children with special needs, children in foster care, or children experiencing homelessness.
We maintain the wait lists for each age group in order of application date and priority. While we use the list to make enrollment offers, we reserve the right to structure class groups to support appropriate diversity, gender distribution, and accommodations for children with special needs.
A child’s spot on the wait list will be active until either the parents request removal from the list or the child becomes ineligible for admission by turning 6. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Registration for summer sessions and the next academic year occur in the spring term. Once a child is enrolled, families do not need to reapply.
What are the requirements to enroll? Accordion Closed
Enrollment is for full-time programming, five days a week. There are no part-time or part-day programs currently. Children can attend for the school-year (August through May) or for the entire year (12 months).
Children must be toilet-trained for our preschool and prekindergarten classrooms prior to enrolling at the ELDC, unless their is a medical need or an IEP in place for the child.
The ELDC is a tuition-based program. If you are student at NAU, please see our Scholarships page. For non-NAU students, we are a DES-certified program. To see if you qualify for DES assistance, visit the DES child care assistance page.
What do I need to bring to the ELDC? Accordion Closed
All families will receive an enrollment packed and family orientation upon acceptance. Children are to bring the following items labeled with their first and last names:
- A full change of clothing to leave at the center
- An AM and PM snack, as well as a lunch
- A water bottle
- A hat or winter gear, based on the season
- A blanket (small pillow optional) for nap/rest time
Apply today
If you are interested in enrolling, please submit our online form. We will respond to enrollment inquiries within 72 hours.
Make sure to review our tuition and hours or schedule a tour.