Education Department
Phone: (315) 829-8200
Fax: (315) 829-8222
located at 5000 Skenondoa Way
Brenda Hicks, Program Manager - Education Resource Center
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Early Learning Center (ELC) "Kawilanunha - They care for little ones" Program and Staff Information

The Nation's Early Learning Center (ELC) is located in the Ray Elm Children and Elders Center, in the Village of the White Pines, at 5000 Skenondoa Way, Oneida.

The program is designed for children six weeks to 12 years old. Children of Members and other American Indians, Nation employees are eligible. The ELC is open year-round, and offers full and part time enrollment options.

The ELC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators.

The goal of the ELC is to create a program which nurtures a child's physical, cognitive, language and social-emotional growth. ELC teachers help children learn by encouraging them to ask questions and discover alternative answers.

ELC teachers receive continuous child development training and have a solid background in early childhood education and development. All full-time staff are trained in CPR and first aid.

The ELC offers a safe and nurturing environment and has instituted several security procedures to ensure the safety of each child.

To learn more about the ELC or to schedule a tour of the facility, call (315) 829-8139.

Early Learning Center Staff:
Manager - Tricia Narolis
Supervising Teacher - Tina Fox
Administrative Assistant - Natalie Belewich
Receptionist - Jennifer Hiscox
School age teacher - Misty Finster
Teacher - Debra Smith
Teacher - Vicki Davis
Teacher - Bonnie Strail
Assistant Teacher - Lorraine Krason
Teacher - Jane Polachek
Teacher - Leslie Nevills
Assistant Teacher - Maryanne DeNova
Teacher - Irene Peters
Assistant Teacher - Lindsey Fox
Assistant Teacher - Shearen Ghaffer
Assistant Teacher - Teresa Garlock
Teacher Aid/Floater - Jennifer Smith
Teacher Assistant - Kim Cossette
Teacher Aid/floater - Vanessa Reber

Oneida Nation Scholarship Program

The Oneida Nation Scholarship Program is located at the Ray Elm Children & Elders Center in the former Gathering Space. Services are available to Nation Members and Health Center clients in high school through adult. Scholarship services are provided by appointment.

Applications for New York State Indian Aid and BIA are available at the Scholarship office. Call Wilma Cook, scholarship coordinator at (315) 829-8150 for more information.

The scholarship office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Education Department at the Children and Elders Center

Education Programs - including the Language and Scholarship programs and Library are located at:
Ray Elm Children & Elders Center
5000 Skenondoa Way
Oneida, NY 13421

The main Education Department telephone number is (315) 829-8200.

Staff:
Brenda Hicks -Education Programs Senior Manager
Wilma Cook - Scholarship Coordinator (315) 829-8150
Sheri Beglen - Language Instructor
Kathi Sochia - Administrative Assistant


GED/EDP Classes at the C&E Center


GED/EDP classes are held every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Children and Elders Center, 5000 Skenondoa Way, Oneida. Randy Phillips is the instructor.
GED/EDP students must be American Indian.

GED (General Equivalency Diploma) students must be at least 17 years old, whose high school class has already graduated. The students receive instruction in writing, social studies, science, math, literature and the arts. A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma.

EDP (External Degree Program) students must be at least 25 years old. The EDP allows adults to earn their high school diploma through credit from life and work experience if they can demonstrate what they have learned in areas including reading, writing, math, oral communication, self-development, consumer awareness and scientific awareness.

Students who earn their GED or EDP often continue on to college, trade or vocational school and better job opportunities.

For additional information, call Randy at (315) 829-8206.

Oneida Nation Library

The Nation Library is located in the former Gathering Space of the Ray Elm Children and Elders Center, 5000 Skenondoa Way, Oneida.

Library hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and The library carries American Indian and other books, DVDs, magazines and children's publications. Nation employees are welcome to sign up for a library card.

Call Kathi Sochia at (315) 829-8200 for more information.