Marion Ohio
You want your child to have the best start in life.
Finding ideal child care for your little one in Central Ohio can be challenging. At Advantage Early Learning Academy, we understand that every child is unique. That’s why we offer a personalized approach to early childhood education tailored to your child’s needs.
Our experienced teachers are dedicated to helping your child develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. From our safe and welcoming facilities to our engaging curriculum, we are committed to providing the highest quality early childhood education for your child in Marion County.
Infant Care
Infant Nursery School: 6 weeks to 18 months
At Advantage Early Learning Academy, we give our infants and toddlers the tools to thrive! Our unique child care program and daycare center combine a fun, engaging environment with the comfort and confidence to grow cognitively and socially.
Your little one’s incredible educational journey begins in the Advantage infant room. Scientific research shows us that the brain develops more within the first three years than at any other time. Our dedicated team of educators plans each moment of the day to ensure your baby enjoys the full potential of this period of rapid cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.
At our infant program, we understand the importance of creating a supportive partnership with parents as they transition their babies into our care. Our child care programs are specially designed to make the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible for the whole family. Our individualized schedules, nurturing primary caregivers, and safe classrooms will ensure that your infant’s days are fun and enriching.
At our infant program, your little one won’t lie around all day! They will be active when awake and be exposed to age-appropriate books and toys to engage their minds. They will also enjoy some fresh air in our baby swings or on a blanket in the grass and even participate in music enrichment with their teachers – what baby doesn’t love the chance to shake a maraca!?
Our Marion County childcare center has three infant rooms with one dedicated teacher for every five infants.
Toddler Care
Toddler Early Learning Program: 19 months to 2.9 years
Your toddler is going to change from a baby to a preschooler in a short amount of time. Your child is gaining and asserting independence through milestones such as first steps, first words, drinking out of a cup, and potty training. Advantage Early Learning Academy will be your partner in supporting this growth process.
Our passionate and energetic teachers in Marion County will provide your child with a consistent routine and schedule filled with exploration, and introduction to new experiences. Regardless of their developmental stage, each day will be filled with laughter, books, hands-on learning, and building self-sufficiency.
At our Marion County location, we have three toddler rooms with a ratio of 1 teacher to every 7 children.
- A perfect balance of nurturing, playtime, and learning each day
- Daily group activities that help boost your child’s social skills
- Regular teacher-family communication, including daily updates to keep you informed
- Themed units that provide a variety of everyday experiences
- Learning areas focused on dramatic play, mathematics, creative arts, language, sensory exploration
- Age-appropriate activities and materials that develop confidence, self-esteem, and a love of learning
Preschool Education
Preschool Learning Program: 3 years to 4 years
As a preschooler, your child is capable of increasingly complex tasks, learning, and thinking. Our curriculum includes theme-based units incorporating language, pre-reading, pre-writing, math, science, social studies, creative arts, motor skills, and social development in hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities.
An intentional, research-based themed curriculum is individualized for a child aged 3’s to 4’s specific learning goals. Teachers work with our Marion County Childcare Directors to plan daily, customized small-group “Center” activities so children can learn at their developmental and age-appropriate pace, even in mixed-age groupings. All activities are linked to the Developmentally Appropriate Practices of the Creative Teaching Strategies Curriculum, the Ohio Early Learning Developmental Standards, the National Reading Panel, and the National Early Literacy Panel’s recommendations for early literacy.
We have four preschool education rooms with a lead teacher and an assistant. Our preschoolers participate in our inclusive weekly enrichment classes, including yoga, music, and dance.
Our Preschool Program Features:
- Hands-on experiences to boost math and science skills
- Daily small and large-group learning activities
- Themed units that encourage your child’s curiosity, increase their confidence and support self-directed activities
- Observation-based assessments track your child’s progress toward developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness
School Age Childcare
Before & After School Care Hours: 6:00 AM-8:45 AM & 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
At Advantage Early Learning Academy. we passionately strive to build a warm, inviting space where your child can connect with others, get homework assistance, and enjoy breakfasts and snacks. Tailored just for elementary school-age children, we offer exciting, age-appropriate activities within a safe and secure setting that encourages kids to be kids!
Spring, Summer, and Winter Break Programs
- Field Trips
- Arts & Crafts
- Outside Play & Exploration
- Hands-on Science & Engineering
- Technology Corner & more!
Summer Explorers Program
Ages: 5-12 Years
Child Care Hours: 6:00 am- 6:00 pm
Tinkering, engineering designing, creating, and problem-solving help prevent the “summer slide” most children experience. Join us in helping to make your child’s summer a time of fun and exploration!
With robust and engaging enrichment choices like slime science, athletics, creative arts, engineering, computer gaming, handicrafts, and more, there is no shortage of fun that your child will have during our Summer Explorers Program. Children are free to develop their unique interests while being encouraged to relate new knowledge to the curriculum they studied during the school year.
Our Summer Explorers Program Features:
- Weekly Field Trips
- Breakfast, Lunch, & Snacks Included
- Splash Pad & End of Summer Cookout
Childcare Assistance Programs
Financial help is within reach for parents who are working, studying, or training. Federal funds are distributed to states and territories to assist low-income families with childcare costs. Eligibility varies, so it’s important to check the specifics for Ohio. Get started by visiting Childcare.gov and selecting Ohio to discover local assistance options.
State-Funded Prekindergarten
For children aged 3 to 5, state-funded prekindergarten programs can set the stage for future learning success. Depending on your location and eligibility, these programs may be free or low-cost, with options for part-day or full-day attendance. Discover if your family qualifies by visiting the Ohio section under “Child Development and Early Learning” on Childcare.gov.
Military Child Care Financial Assistance Programs
Serving in the military comes with unique challenges, and child care shouldn’t be one of them. Military families across all duty stations have access to financial aid programs for childcare needs. For detailed information, visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website.
Local Childcare Assistance and Discounts
Don’t overlook the support right in your community. Local nonprofits and childcare providers often have scholarships or fee assistance available. Additionally, some providers offer discounts for siblings. When you’re choosing a childcare provider, it’s always worth asking about any financial aid or discount programs they may offer.
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) is dedicated to uplifting working families by offering a suite of services and resources focused on fostering the early development, health, safety, and overall well-being of children. They also provide financial aid to qualifying parents to support childcare expenses during their employment, education, or job training activities.
To find out how you can apply, click here.
Publicly Funded Child Care: Franklin County Board of Commissioners Job & Family Services
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners Job & Family Services’ Publicly Funded Child Care program (PFCC) assists qualified families with childcare expenses for children under 13 years old and those with disabilities up to 18 years old. Eligibility depends on family size and income, which must not exceed 145% of the federal poverty level. A sliding scale co-payment may apply.
Eligibility criteria are revised annually in September. For current income standards, please click here.
At Advantage Early Learning Academy, we understand childcare costs are a considerable part of any family’s budget, but with these assistance programs, the burden can be lightened. Be sure to explore all these options to find the support that best fits your family’s needs. Remember, investing in your child’s early years is invaluable, and there are resources that can help make it possible.
“The Best Columbus Daycare”
Preparing Your Child For Success
Advantage Early Learning Academy, in partnership with Marion Naz Church, is an innovative and collaborative partnership that brings the collective experience and expertise of several different organizations together to give children, families, and child care professionals the best possible experience.
Advantage Early Learning Academy in Downtown Marion, Ohio, is a newly renovated child care center with 15 classrooms, brand-new furniture, and toys. Our Marion, Ohio, location has a gym with a full basketball court and production stage.
Advantage Early Learning Academy is proud to manage this unique location. Our highly-trained staff is pleased to care for and educate the leaders of tomorrow!
A Transformation That Can Last a Lifetime
At Advantage Early Learning Academy, we’ve seen parents go from being stressed and overwhelmed to confident and relaxed, and their children go from being bored and unprepared to engaged and ready to learn.
We believe every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential. That’s why we offer outstanding daycare and early education programs that help children grow, learn and thrive. By choosing one of our conveniently located centers, you and your child will experience a transformation that will last a lifetime.
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