Seneca Arts and Learning Center

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide high-quality early education and care that nurtures the whole child, mind, body, and spirit, while preserving and promoting Seneca language, culture, and values.

The Seneca Arts and Learning Center (SALC), located on the Allegany Territory, is a family-oriented program where we believe children and families grow best together. Our program values the integral role of families in each child’s development, creating a nurturing environment that supports connection, learning, culture, and community.

SALC is a 4-Star Quality Rated facility with QUALITYstarsNY, providing comprehensive early childhood care and education that meets or exceeds Head Start and NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) standards. Our center operates year-round, serving children from six weeks to twelve years old through our childcare, preschool and After-School programs.

Our Team

Our center is staffed with educated early childhood professionals who are dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care and learning experiences. Each staff member participates in ongoing professional development and has successfully completed an extensive background clearance process to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in our care.

Curriculum and Developmental Focus

At SALC, we support every child’s growth across all developmental areas using evidence-based curricula:

Creative Curriculum: Provides a research-backed approach to promote cognitive, language, and physical development through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Second Step: Supports social-emotional development by teaching skills like empathy, emotion management, and positive problem-solving.

Developmental Focus Areas:

Social/Emotional: Building confidence, empathy, and positive relationships.
Physical: Strengthening fine and gross motor skills through active play and exploration.

Cognitive:

Encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Language: Promoting communication and early literacy through conversation, storytelling, and writing.

Cultural Focus:

Cultural learning and the Seneca language are woven throughout our daily routines, songs, and classroom experiences. Children engage with Haudenosaunee teachings and traditions, building pride in their identity and connection to community. Our classrooms blend modern learning with traditional knowledge, ensuring culture is a living, meaningful part of every child’s experience at SALC.

We believe every child deserves a safe, engaging, and culturally grounded place to learn, play, and grow, and we value the essential role families play in supporting their child’s development.

Seneca Arts and Learning Center (Salamanca)
25 Center Street
Salamanca, NY 14779

Chelce Finch, SALC Director
Chelce.Finch@sni.org
(716) 945-5035

Services Offered

Wrap-Around Care

Our Wrap-Around Care program supports families who need child care during school district breaks and throughout the summer months. Serving children ages 5 to 6, the program provides a safe, nurturing environment grounded in Seneca values of respect, responsibility, and community. Children engage in meaningful activities that encourage cooperation, connection, and continued learning when school is not in session.

Head Start

Serving children ages 3 to 5, our Head Start program provides a comprehensive early learning experience that supports school readiness and whole-child development. The program follows Head Start Performance Standards and is rooted in Seneca teachings and community values, supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional development while emphasizing family engagement and strong relationships.

Tribal Home Visiting

Our Tribal Home Visiting program walks alongside families from pregnancy through age 5, offering personalized, family centered support right where families are. We provide helpful resources, education, and guidance to support parenting, child development, and overall family well-being. Grounded in Seneca traditions of family, connection, and intergenerational learning, the program partners with parents and caregivers to build skills, strengthen confidence, and connect families with supportive services in the community.

Language Nest (Coming soon)

The Language Nest provides a full immersion learning environment for children 18 months to 3 years. Children experience the Seneca language and culture through hands on activities and daily routines. This program supports families by nurturing children’s identity, cultural awareness, and connection to their community from the very beginning.