Meet Ellen Westveer -- ECC Director
Click here to view a video about Holland's Early Childhood Center.
Before Kindergarten
“Take care of yourself and others” and "take care of our things.”
Those are some of the simple lessons Director Ellen Westveer and staff teach children at Holland Early Childhood Center at Maplewood.
The school houses the Great Start Readiness Preschool (96 students), Early Childhood Special Education (50 students), Autism Pre-School (six students), and Holland Public Schools’ Young Fives program (50 students), and Special Education Administrative Support Services.
Loving school
Westveer said the goal of ECC staff is to teach school behaviors and academic skills that will ensure that each child is ready to be successful when they start kindergarten.
"This strong foundation will ensure the child's success in both school and in life," Westveer said.
The ECC staff also tries to guide parents through the complexities of parenting young children, providing them with skills to prevent pitfalls that could derail their child’s education.
Social worker to educator
Westveer served many years as a school social worker.
Fifteen years ago, district leaders asked her to make the leap into school administration.
Westveer believes the programs at ECC are a got fit for her.
"I love the young students and interacting with their families," she said. "Our staff hopes to support these children and their families so they will have a successful and enjoyable school year with us."
Westveer enjoys her three married adult children and their spouses. This last year they have blessed her with two wonderful grandbabies, Harmony and Shepherd.
In her leisure time, Westveer enjoys walking, biking, reading and learning how to play golf.
Ellen can be reached by calling 494-2650 or email: ewestvee@hollandpublicschools.org.
