Serving 316 infants, toddlers & preschoolers

Through the partnership with Rutgers-Camden, LEAP families benefit from the services and programs of the Early Learning Research Academy (ELRA). ELRA is an early childhood development and research center with programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The holistic model focuses on cognitive and socio-emotional development as important elements to address school readiness for urban children.

The mission of ELRA is to enhance the future school success of Camden City children from birth through age five by providing high-quality, research-based education and comprehensive wellness services while improving research and best practices in early childhood development and education.

AT ELRA, College begins at Birth!

Building a Strong Foundation for Learning

ELRA’s Infant and Toddler Development Program focuses on a language-rich environment for children to develop socially and cognitively.

It serves children from 8-weeks to 3-years old and offers a program that concentrates on the development of language and motor skills. The program incorporates an immersive dual-language approach that features bilingual (English/Spanish) caregivers.

Preparing Children for School Success

ELRA’s Pre-School Program serves children ages 3 and 5 and prepares students for success in kindergarten.

The Preschool places a strong emphasis on writing, language, science and math education. It also incorporates dual-language instruction, provides comprehensive health services, and engages parents in the education process. All ELRA classroom have a bilingual staff person.

At ELRA, Preparing for College Begins at Birth!

Welcome to the Early Learning Research Academy (ELRA) at Rutgers–Camden! Our Early Learning program represents the beginning of the LEAP Educational pipeline with our youngest children. The mission of ELRA is to enhance the future school success of Camden City children from birth through age five by providing high-quality, research-based education and comprehensive wellness services while improving research and best practices in early childhood development and education. We serve children as young as 6 months through age 5.

Children at ELRA receive personalized attention and care and are able to participate in a dynamic learning program that leads to school readiness.

In our school, learning takes place in a child-centered environment and our staff is dedicated to providing a happy and nurturing atmosphere in which children can develop a positive self-image and love of learning. The curriculum is diverse and flexible, offering varied and developmentally appropriate choices of activities. Our interactive programs build the foundation for reading, language arts, math, science and social studies. We have an open door policy, and families are encouraged to engage and participate in our program.

Stephanie Rogers, MHS

View & Download Menus for Early Learning Academy Students

Food is cooked daily in each school. The staff works diligently to provide balanced and nutritious meals. Menus are available each week.

Breakfast Menu

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Lunch Menu

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Engaging Parents in Every Step of Their Children’s Progress

ELRA is committed to working with parents and engaging them in every step of their children’s progress. We welcome input, feedback, visits and your volunteer time. Our commitment to you extends to providing access to programs and services that target your wellness and development. At ELRA, we not only care for children, we care for families. Click here for more information on programs for parents.

For enrollment:

ELRA operates as a program unit under Rutgers University-Camden’s Community Leadership Center. Enrollment is open to families in the city and surrounding communities. Priority enrollment is offered to families with children currently at ELRA and the LEAP Academy followed by families that reside in the City of Camden.

Age requirements are as follows:
Infant/Toddler Program: 8 weeks
Pre-School: 3 yrs (by Oct. 1st)

ELRA operates 16 pre-school classrooms through a partnership with the Camden Board of Education. These are for families that reside in the City of Camden. ELRA also offers 1 classroom for Non-Camden residents.

To complete an application, for Pre-School please click here.
To complete an application, for Infant/Toddler Program please click here.
To speak with a staff person, call 856-614-3246.

ELRA Information and Forms

• ERLA Handbook
• Universal Health Form
• Allergy Action Plan
• Asthma Action Plan