Letter from the Principal

Welcome Early Childhood Center families,

We are so happy you are joining us for the 2025-2026 school year! It is a great time to be a Tiny Tomcat and we are honored that you are starting your learning journey with us here at the Early Childhood Center of East Aurora (the ECC).

At the Early Childhood Center we have both half day and full day preschool classrooms with a goal to provide ALL of our students a nurturing, play-based learning environment that sets a firm foundation for lifelong learning and discovery and puts them on a path to reach their full potential.

Our preschool program has consistently earned the Gold Circle of Quality rating as recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. This is the highest rating for early childhood programs in the state.

You have chosen the best time to begin your child’s learning journey as 90% of human brain development happens before a child reaches age 5. Your young child is naturally curious and this opens many opportunities to learn all about the world around them. During our time together we will support your child’s independence skills and confidence while they learn school routines, how to work independently and with others. You will be amazed at what they can learn and do!

It is my privilege to serve our Tiny Tomcats students, staff and community as I start my seventh year as principal here. It is my tenth year serving the district, having been assistant principal here for three years before moving to my current role.

I’m the first child of an immigrant father from Panama and a Texas born mother of Mexican descent. They worked and sacrificed to give us (their three children) opportunities they did not get for themselves as high school graduates. As a wife and mom to two young adult daughters I’m proud to say that a solid education made a difference for me, my two siblings and now, my own family that will carry into the future. I firmly believe that a good education can do the same for yours!

I’ve been blessed to have had previous opportunities in other fields but am most fond of the fourteen years I spent as a bilingual kindergarten teacher in Chicago and some of the southwest suburbs and still keep in touch with many of my students. My education includes earning master’s degrees in Journalism from Northwestern University, Educational Leadership from Aurora University and Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

We are excited to partner with YOU, your child’s first teacher, for their benefit and strongly encourage you to get involved in our preschool. Your partnership and participation are the keys to your child’s success from here until they walk across the stage to graduate as Tomcats.

Our entire staff looks forward to serving you and your child this year. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone, email or in person. My contact information is below and I am always happy to help you.

Sincerely,