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A student shows off the artwork she made at the ECC.
Students take a class photo beside the fire truck.
Students pet a calf during a special Farmer Day event at the ECC.
TK Alumni Association dedicates a new Little Free Library at the ECC.
An ECC student and parent show off the artwork made at the ECC.
A child plays with building blocks.
The multi-purpose room provides a place for lunches and activities.
Families enjoy the ECC open house where children are playing on the playground.
crafts
A girl pets a pony at a special farmer day event at the ECC.
Families enjoy an art event at the ECC.
A child plays with building blocks.
The ECC classroom hallway is divided into different sections each with their own color to help reinforce learning colors.
ECC students pick out books from their collection.
Students pet a lamb at a special Farmer Day event at the ECC.
Thornapple Township firefighters talk to students about fire safety.
A student looks over rocks at the ECC literacy event.
This larger play structure is available to children in the before and after school daycare programs.
Students enjoy playing on the natural playscapes.
The Early Childhood Center was opened in 2022 and built with bond funds approved by voters in 2019.
A firefighter dressed in fire emergency gear shakes hands with students.
A fun little house provides a great area for play for young students.
Students pick out books from the new Little Free Library at the ECC.

Encouraging and developing the greatest potential of each student

News & Announcements

Early Childhood Center enrollment meeting flyer.

ECC Enrollment Information Meetings

The Early Childhood Center will host informational enrollment meetings for the 2026-27 school year. Meetings will take place Jan. 22 at the ECC at 6 p.m. for programs for 3-year-olds and 6:30 p.m. for programs for 4-year-olds.
Dayne Fletke, Kristi Palmbos and Nathan Boersma are pictured with Merritt Matrix founders Jordan and Kenan Smith.

TK Staff Humbled by ‘The Thank You Project’ Recognition

When Jordan and Kenan Smith walked into Dayne Fletke’s middle school classroom, he had no idea what was about to happen. Neither did Kristi Palmbos, a para-pro in his room. But 7th grader Nate Boersma was all smiles. He knew exactly what was going on - or at least he thought he did.
An Early Childhood Center student examines a dried corn husk on her Wonder Walk.

Wonder Walks Explore Nature Around School

TK Early Childhood Center teacher Kathy Bates leads her Great Start Readiness Program class outside for Wonder Walks two times a week, and once a month students collect things they find, like flowers, leaves and seeds.
Members of the TKHS 2025 Homecoming Court.

2025 Homecoming is Oct. 10

Thornapple Kellogg Homecoming is Friday, Oct. 10 when the Trojans will take on East Grand Rapids at 7 p.m. There is plenty of excitement and fun prior to the game!
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A MESSAGE FROM ECC DIRECTOR AMANDA HOEKSMA

Thornapple Kellogg Early Childhood Center
Welcome to the Early Childhood Center!
 
Welcome! Our beautiful Early Childhood Center has been open since 2022. At TK ECC, our programs strive to provide all students with a safe and caring environment that stimulates and challenges their growth and learning. We are play-based and child-centered, recognizing that all children are unique in their strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles. 
 

All of our classrooms implement a curriculum designed to provide age-appropriate learning experiences where our young learners can grow in all areas of development.  We believe in the power of relationships and work closely with our families, valuing your involvement as an integral part of your child's educational journey.
 

We are so excited to have you join us this school year!  Thank you for entrusting us to be your child’s first step in their educational journey during their preschool years here at Thornapple Kellogg Schools.