The Ohio Northern University Early Child Development Center
The Ohio Northern University Early Child Development Center (ECDC) is a state-licensed childcare center open to children ages 18 months to 5 years from Ada, Ohio, and the surrounding communities. This on-campus facility is a convenient, high-quality childcare option for the children of University faculty, staff, students and the Ada Community Families. It provides valuable high-impact learning opportunities to education students at ONU.The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Our purpose at the Ohio Northern University Early Child Development Center is to provide the university students, the community of Ada, and the surrounding areas a model of exceptional childcare and education for children. The child development center will create collaboration amongst the care and education that is facilitated at the center and the opportunity for students to observe and participate in the child’s learning experiences. The center takes pride in our highly educated teachers and thoroughly trained staff. The child development center also strives for a safe and positive environment that captures a child’s optimal learning capabilities and interests through exploratory opportunities.
The ECDC is licensed by the State of Ohio and enrollment is open to any 18 months to 5 years old children from Ada and the surrounding communities.
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Our philosophy includes the following:
• Each child is a unique individual with specific gifts and talents.
• The needs of the whole child must be considered and nurtured when planning any activity or environment for young children.
• Parents are the primary educators of their children, and we serve to support the family in its child-rearing role.
• Children must be nurtured and respected as they go about their everyday role of work through play.
• We acknowledge that growth during the early years is uneven and that each child learns at his/her own pace. As such, developmentally appropriate curriculum is planned to meet the needs of each child.
• Hands-on experience for young children is the best teaching motive. Emphasis is on learning by doing, rather than by being told.
• At all times the health, welfare and happiness of the child and family must be respected. -
Full Day Preschool: $34 per day
Full Day Toddler: $38 per day
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Qualified staff members are the most essential element in a quality childcare program. Teachers must possess a good mix of theory and practice to maintain a nurturing setting while developing a creative educational program. In addition to their educational training, our staff combines on-the-job experience with a genuine passion for what they do.
The ECDC uses a team teaching approach. The team includes two full time teachers in each classroom and student workers who serve as teacher assistants. By combining teachers and teacher assistants with varying levels of education and experience a mentoring relationship can develop that will increase the strength of the teaching team.
The team is responsible for developing a curriculum that is thoughtful and thought provoking. All teachers contribute to weekly planning sessions and attend scheduled staff meetings.
Daily Activities
Children enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, including free choice play, story time, music, outside play and gathering time. Whether it be singing songs, playing games, learning about new things or journal writing, there’s always something to do, and every day is a little bit different.
Step Up to Quality Star Award Recipient
The Early Child Development Center has a Step Up to Quality Award from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Bureau of Child Care and Development, the state agency responsible for licensing and promoting high standards among Ohio's early care and education programs. This award distinguishes our program as going above and beyond to provide a safe, quality experience for our students and parents.
"The educational focus of the center is admirable and takes advantage of the proximity and generosity of ONU faculty and staff who are willing to share their time and expertise. Watching our son interact with ONU students also reinforces the idea that the ECDC offers competitive advantages that are not present elsewhere in the area. We believe that there are no comparable facilities in the nearby area."
-Brad and Amelia Wile
-Brad and Amelia Wile
Want to learn more?
If you have questions or would like more information about the Early Child Development Center, you can reach our director, Heather Graham, at 419-772-2141 or via email at h-graham.2@onu.edu.