Mount Vernon Place Early Learning Center

I had two kids at MVPELC (soon to be re-​branded as Shell’s ELC) and have seen up front how the daycare has greatly improved since it opened in Nov. ’12. Management changed, and so did the staff. I can’t say enough good things about the new staff, most especially the teacher for 3– and 4-​year olds, Miss Shiffonda. She’s a real pro and brings a great pre-​K background to the daycare. I felt my kids were learning at a rapid and high level because Shiffonda was invested in pushing them. The on-​site director Helen and the infant teacher Sherri were also very hands-​on. The fact that the staff was so invested in my kids definitely made up for the one major drawback at the ELC — which is that student enrollment is low. The daycare lacks the bustle and liveliness of other places. But certainly, it was nice to come by to pick up my kids and see them sitting at a table getting two-​on-​one attention from their teacher, instead of running around with a gang of kids.
The location is very convenient if you work downtown. The space itself is large, spacious and open. It’s also very secure. My kids have taken field trips to nearby Walters Art Museum and Enoch Pratt Central Library. I think the new ownership is bringing increased administrative efficiency.
Overall, I went from having huge misgivings in November ’12 to being hugely appreciative of the fine work the ELC is doing in August ’13.