Marymount University’s Early Learning Academy (ELA) is enhancing its innovative approach to early childhood education through the development of a new STEAM Lab and outdoor STEAM learning area, made possible by a $75,000 Child Care Capacity Building & Quality Improvement Grant awarded by the Arlington County Board and additional donor funding from Marymount trustee J. Andrew Steele.
Approved in May 2025, the grant supports the creation of a dedicated indoor STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning space and complementary outdoor environment designed to encourage nature-based creativity, exploration and hands-on discovery for preschoolers. The project is part of Arlington County’s Child Care Initiative, which focuses on improving accessibility, availability and quality in local child care programs.
The development of the ELA’s new STEAM Lab is currently underway, with completion expected in early 2026.
“This grant gives us an incredible opportunity to expand how our children learn, play and imagine,” said Kristen Cunningham, Director of the Early Learning Academy. “By introducing STEAM at the preschool level, we’re building the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity that will serve our students for years to come. It’s all about igniting curiosity in a way that feels natural, joyful and hands-on.”
Research demonstrates how early exposure to STEAM concepts can be powerful for building a strong foundation that leads to future academic success. A recent study published by the American Psychological Association, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, found that high-quality early childhood education emphasizing sensitivity, cognitive stimulation and exploratory learning is strongly associated with STEM achievement through high school. Experiential, hands-on learning—the kind that naturally takes place in STEAM environments—has been shown to produce retention rates as high as 80 to 90 percent, compared to just five percent for traditional lecture-based methods.
The ELA’s STEAM Lab will feature interactive learning centers designed to integrate science experiments, engineering challenges, creative arts and mathematical exploration in ways appropriate for young learners. The outdoor component will extend that learning beyond the classroom, allowing children to engage with nature through water play, magnetic building, art activities and other open-ended opportunities for discovery.
“Our new STEAM Lab will be a space where children experiment, ask questions and explore concepts through art, building, science and technology,” explained Faye Leier, Assistant Director of the Early Learning Academy. “It will also serve as a model for other early childhood programs in Arlington, offering training and workshops for local teachers and families who want to bring more hands-on, experiential learning into their classrooms and homes.”
As part of Marymount’s mission as a lab school, the ELA plans to share the STEAM Lab as a training resource for educators, parents and students in the Arlington community—aligning with a “train the trainer” model that extends professional development to local preschool directors and caregivers. Faculty and students from Marymount’s School of Education will also use the space to conduct research and collaborate on workshops that bridge early childhood practice with higher education scholarship.
“This initiative reflects Marymount’s deep commitment to both education and community partnership,” Cunningham added. “By working together with Arlington County, we’re not only enriching the learning experiences of our own students, but also helping strengthen the network of early childhood educators across the region.”
Once complete, the STEAM Lab will be self-sustaining, supported through Marymount’s educational programming and ongoing engagement with families and future teachers.
Launched in Fall 2023, Marymount’s Early Learning Academy provides a high-quality, research-based preschool experience. The ELA integrates play-based learning with individualized attention to foster imagination, social development and school readiness—all within a diverse university setting that doubles as a training ground for future educators studying in Marymount’s School of Education.
