Early Childhood Development Center and Lab School Preschool Program

The Cape May County Technical School District Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is designed for high school and adult students pursuing professions in childcare. As part of the program, ECDC students work alongside NJDOE-certified preschool teachers and Early Education high school teachers at the ECDC Lab Preschool. Preschool students enrolled in either full-day or half-day programs learn from the ECDC students who work toward making lessons fun and exciting. Classes have low student-to-teacher ratio, incorporate lessons that promote growth, and includes lots of play time.

The Lab School Preschool Program introduces children to a balance of interaction with friends in both teacher-directed and child-directed experiences. The daily schedule includes a wide range of free choice activities, both large and small group activities, and indoor/outdoor play.

Centers within the classroom include:

Blocks - Dollhouse Play - Computers - Creative Movement

Language Arts / Pre-Writing - Legos - Math - Sand / Water Play

Science - Sensorial Play - Woodworking - And More!

Our Philosophy

Future Educator CTE students & Little Hawks Academy:

Little Hawks Academy is designed for high school students pursuing professions involving the care of young children.  Experiences working with pre-school children under the direct supervision of certified teachers are provided. 

Statements of Philosophy and Beliefs 

Little Hawks Academy welcomes the children of staff, students, county employees and other families who wish to apply.  The program is designed to meet the needs of children and their families.  We believe: parents are a vital asset in promoting the development of their child; it is important for the child to have a balanced curriculum encompassing the whole child; the child should be provided with a safe, positive, accepting atmosphere that promotes his/her natural curiosity and desire to learn. 

Please Note:  Children must be 3 years old by October 1 OR 2.5 years old and toilet trained to apply.