About Us

Our Mission & Vision

The mission of Trinity Early Learning Center is to support and strengthen the entire family in a neighborhood environment by blending high quality child care, family education, and faith based beliefs. We provide experiences where children, parents, and staff are encouraged to participate, learn, and grow together.

Educational Philosophy

Each child is viewed as a separate and unique creation of God with his/her own rate of maturation and growth. Children will grow in all areas of development through play and interaction with the people and objects in their environment. Children do not need to be forced to learn. They are motivated by their own desires to understand the world, and thus they learn experientially. TELC uses developmentally appropriate practices to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which children engage to explore, experience, imitate, ask questions, and further their thinking and problem solving skills. TELC believes parents are a primary influence in their children’s lives; together we foster children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development.

Hours

Trinity Early Learning Center is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

We offer Full Day schedules for 3-5 days per week. Drop-off and pick-up times are flexible during hours of operation.

Our Team

Mrs. Dana Millard, Director

Dana loves serving young families and supporting teachers in their important role as educators. Her favorite times are spent with her husband and three children. They can often be found on the football field or walking around the neighborhood, and they love going on hikes, road trips, and family camping trips.

Dana’s career in education started in the classroom, teaching and caring for every age from newborns through elementary school. With over 20+ years of experience in early childhood education, she brings knowledge and patience to the teaching team. Over the last several years as Director and Assistant Director, Dana has led a team of over 40 teachers. She has been able to share her ideas and strategies with everyone in her role as a “Teacher of Teachers.” Her parent’s involvement with youth in the community has stuck with Dana her whole life. She believes that the time you spend with kids is time well spent. It’s an investment in the future for all of us!

Ms. Alicia Lopez, Assistant Director

Alicia Has always been interested in education whether it be learning something new or teaching others. Through schooling and community training, she has achieved a Step 9 on the Oregon Registry. Alicia has worn many different hats during her 15+ years in childcare, and now, as Assistant Director here at TELC, she can share her knowledge and help other teachers grow.

Alicia enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors on hikes, and finding new camping spots with her family. She also believes in building up community. She has volunteered for 5+ years as a Brownie Leader in her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. She encourages the girls in her troop to learn new skills by rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty; pushing themselves to experience new things and grow as young adults. Encouraging children to learn new things by exploring their surroundings and asking questions to accomplish their goals has always been something that Alicia cares about.