Director’s Office

Letter to Our Community

Dear PECC Families,

Welcome to a place where young children grow, explore, and begin building the skills that will carry them forward for a lifetime. I am truly honored and excited to serve as the Director of Pattonville Early Childhood Center and to partner with you during these incredibly important early years of your child’s life.

The early years of a child’s life are foundational. During this time, children develop the confidence, curiosity, relationships, and habits that shape how they learn and interact with the world. At PECC, we are committed to supporting families through meaningful programs, nurturing environments, and a strong partnership between home and school.

In our preschool classrooms, learning happens through play, discovery, and hands-on exploration. We strongly believe in the power of play as a vehicle for learning. Through playful experiences, children learn to plan, problem-solve, cooperate with others, and regulate their emotions. These joyful moments are essential to healthy brain development and lay the groundwork for future academic and social success. Our classrooms are designed to be engaging, safe spaces where children feel comfortable taking risks, making friends, and developing new skills at their own pace. Our dedicated teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and support staff work together to support the whole child and ensure every learner feels valued.

Our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is another important way we partner with families. Through home visits, developmental screenings, and personalized guidance, trained parent educators support families in understanding their child’s development and connecting them with helpful resources. This program strengthens the connection between home and school and empowers families with knowledge and support.

We know that children thrive when schools and families work together. Building relationships rooted in trust and open communication allows us to meet and exceed the high hopes we all share for our children. We are proud to be part of your village during these early years.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We look forward to a year filled with growth, joy, learning, and discovery. Please explore our website to learn more about the programs and resources available to you, and never hesitate to reach out to let us know how we can support your family.

Warmly,

 

Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Director of Early Childhood