Daycare & Early Learning Academy Marion Ohio

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.

Our Toddler Care Program Features:

• 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
• Portfolios that document growth and development through your preschooler's work
• Observation-based assessments track your child's progress toward developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness

SCHOOL AGE CHILDCARE

Ages: 5-12 Years

Before & After School Care Hours: 6:00 AM-8:45 AM & 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

At Advantage Early Learning Academy in Marion County, we are committed to creating a warm, welcoming place for your child to connect with the community, access homework support, and receive a healthy breakfast and snacks prepared by our cook. Our before and after-school care is explicitly designed for elementary school-age students; we provide age-appropriate activities in a safe and secure environment that allows kids to be kids!

Spring, Summer, and Winter Break Programs

When Ohio public schools are on break, we've got you covered. Our action-packed vacation weeks and summer camp programs will keep your child engaged and smiling all day. Your child will have enriching experiences that inspire their minds to learn through play. Our camps offer a wide variety to keep campers from getting, well...bored!

• 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
• Spray Park & End of Summer Cookout

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Navigating childcare expenses can be challenging, but there are several assistance programs available to help families in Ohio. Here's a simple guide to understanding and accessing these valuable resources.

Child Care Financial Assistance (Vouchers, Certificates, or Subsidies)

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.