History

AWARDS

Center Policies and Procedures

Mission + Vision

  • We are the only non-profit, Level 4 on Paths to Quality (highest rank you can achieve), that offers a scholarship program in Elkhart County. ​
  • Our average scholarship saves families approximately $4,000 a year!
  • We have a parent program that grants families access community resources free of charge.  
  • We make a difference in children’s lives! Walnut Hill’s success rate in preparing children for kindergarten is 60% higher than the state average based on ISTARKR assessments.
  • We have received numerous awards for our service which include, 2015 – United Way of Elkhart County “Making a Difference Platinum Award”, 2017 – Early Learning Indiana “Grand Prize Family Engagement Award”, 2019 – Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, “Hoosier Educator Award”, and 2019 – United Way of Elkhart County “HERO” Award. 

2019 – United Way of Elkhart County “HERO” Award


2019 – Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, “Hoosier                               Educator Award”, awarded to our Center Director Jamie Pankoke


2017 – Early Learning Indiana “Grand Prize Family Engagement Award”


2015 – United Way of Elkhart County “Making a Difference Platinum Award”​







Program

What makes Walnut Hill Unique 

  • Walnut Hill began serving children in 1968 at the Walnut Hill Chapel on North Sixth Street.

  • Fire destroyed the original site on October 29, 1989. 

  • Funds to remodel and build were provided by community individuals, businesses, clubs and churches.

  • Community volunteers also donated 1600 hours of personal time to help with construction and keep costs low.

  • The relationship between Walnut Hill and Assembly Church is unique in that space was shared but programs remained independent. 

  • Walnut Hill moved into its own building on January 8, 2018, and added more ages groups: infants and toddlers and two year olds.  Walnut Hill currently resides at this new location at 1700 Shasta Drive Goshen, IN 46526.

  • For over 50 years Walnut Hill Early Childhood Center has provided high quality, affordable early childhood education to the community. 

  • Year round services
  • Open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Serve ages 2 to 6 years
  • Professional and educated lead teachers
  • Low child to staff ratio in classrooms
  • Family Services Coordinator
  • State licensed
  • Level four (highest possible ranking) of Indiana’s Paths to Quality
  • Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
  • ​Curriculum based on: The High/Scope Foundation, The Indiana Foundations for Young Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Creative Curriculum
  • Zoo-Phonics literacy program for our Pre-K classrooms
  • Regular assessments used to track student progress
  • Students receive 2 snacks along with breakfast and lunch - all meals are cooked onsite and meet the CACFP standards

Mission Statement
Walnut Hill supports the community children and parents, by providing high quality affordable early childhood education, to help them grow both socially and academically.


Vision
Providing early pathways to full potential.   Your child’s individual learning style, his/her physical and social strengths, and special interests are primary considerations for facilitating comprehensive school readiness.  


Philosophy

​To provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences based on the strengths, interests, and needs of each individual child and on the social and cultural context in which each child lives.  Teachers provide space and materials for children to freely explore, express ideas, solve problems, and plan ahead in a safe and nurturing environment.