ECEC Early Childhood Enrichment 

At ECEC, Early Childhood Enrichment Center, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Step outside and you’ll find nearly half an acre of outdoor space filled with gardens, trees, and laughter. Children here grow flowers and vegetables, plan projects, and measure their progress in sunlight and soil rather than screen time. 

“We’re not just growing plants,” says Director BreeAnna Curtis, who has led the program since graduating from UCO’s early childhood program. “We’re growing experiences, patience, and confidence.” 

BreeAnna began her ECEC journey six years ago as a student teacher, working in every classroom before becoming Assistant Director her senior year. Since taking the helm, she’s helped five teachers earn their Master Teacher credentials and has continued to care for families with an intentional, personal touch. 

Her leadership is reflected in every part of the center’s vibrant outdoor environment. Children learn math through measuring garden rows, explore science through pollination and plant life cycles, and discover the value of delayed gratification when they finally harvest the vegetables they’ve nurtured. “It warms my heart when a nine-year-old stops a football game to come help pull radishes,” BreeAnna says. “That’s real learning–no screens, just life.” 

Inside, creativity thrives through art and hands-on problem-solving. ECEC kids paint, build, and even take on unique projects like repairing furniture or learning strategy and sequencing with mahjong tiles. Social skills grow alongside curiosity through both structured academics and plenty of play. 

ECEC also extends its lessons in kindness beyond the playground. Students volunteer at the food bank each school break, and the center recently hosted its first Fall Festival; complete with a petting zoo, games, food truck, and plenty of community spirit. 

“Coming out of COVID, we focused on care and connection,” Curtis says. “Problem-solving builds confidence, and confidence builds secure, happy kids.” 

At ECEC, those lessons bloom everywhere; in the classroom, the garden, and every proud smile that comes with pulling up the season’s first radish. 

To choose a more inspiring start for your child, call 405-562-1315. ECEC is located at 19000 N May Ave. You can check out their Facebook page at ECEC for more photos and activities.