ECC staff: (left to right) Katie Swift, Assistant Head of School; Stephanie Guerrero, Director of TKS ECC; and Vanessa Ullmann, Head of School. Photo courtesy Cooper Koch.
The Kessler School, a pre-K through 8th grade private school in North Oak Cliff, is expanding its commitment to early childhood education with the opening of its brand-new Early Childhood Center (TKS ECC).
Set to open its doors on November 4th, TKS ECC will provide high-quality, year-round childcare for children ages 3 months to 3 years.
“We are beyond excited about this new journey we’re about to embark on together,” said Stephanie Guerrero, Director of The Kessler School’s ECC. “I truly believe this new program will be the beginning of something special, creating many opportunities for our community to grow and foster new friendships.”
Located at the school’s new campus, TKS ECC will operate Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with closures only on major holidays. The center is designed to foster a play-based learning environment that supports children’s developmental needs during their earliest years.
TKS ECC will feature four classrooms and will also offer a common room where children can stay active during rainy days, ensuring continuous learning and play no matter the weather.
The school’s ECC curriculum will emphasize learning through play, fostering cognitive, social and emotional development in children.
“We believe children learn best through play, and we’re incorporating this philosophy throughout the year,” Guerrero said.
Children enrolled in TKS ECC will also have the opportunity to continue their educational journey into The Kessler School’s Pre-K program—potentially staying with the school through 8th grade.
Enrollment for TKS ECC will begin soon. Families are encouraged to download the Brightwheel app to create an account and stay updated. Once enrollment opens, families will be able to register directly through the app.
This expansion comes on the heels of TKS’s acquisition of the historic Cavalry Baptist Church building and grounds in Oak Cliff’s Sunset Hill neighborhood. The new campus, which opened for classes in August 2023, is part of a long-term growth strategy aimed at enhancing the school’s ability to serve the evolving needs of the community.
