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: $32 per day
Full Day Toddler: $35 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.
June Zimmerman
June has been in education since the day she graduated from high school. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading from Montana State University-Billlings. She also has her Masters Degree in Education with a focus in Leadership and Instruction from Bluffton University. She is married to Jake and they have two children, Molly and Zack. In her free time her heart is happiest attending my own children’s activities or just spending time with my family and friends. I love working with children and I am very mindful of my interactions with them. Children learn best and take risks in their learning when they have a strong relationship with their caretakers. As a director, she desires to provide the children at the center a positive and safe learning environment to capture each child’s optimal learning potential.
Vi Huff
Vi has been a preschool teacher at ONU since 2014. She has her Child Development Associates Credential. She is a life-long resident of Hardin County. She is married to Charlie and has 2 children and one granddaughter, Callie. She loves reading, talking walks, and spending time with family. She is looking forward to all the time with her preschoolers and the many wonderful opportunities to play, learn, and grow together!
Gail Schoonover (Mrs. Schoonover)
Gail has worked at ONU for over 20 years. She has her Early Childhood Associates Degree from Rhodes State College (Lima Technical College). She is married to Bob and lives in Benton Ridge. She is the mom to 3 sons and Grandma to Lincoln, Owen, Baker, and Lydia. She enjoys scrapbooking, reading and traveling. She loves to watch the “light bulb moment” when things click for children.
Amy Cover
Amy is married and has three children. Amy has worked with children most of her career. Amy has her Early Childhood Associates Degree from Lima Technical College. Young children are Amy's pride and joy! She is feeling blessed to teach at Ohio Northern University Early Child Development Center!!
McKenna Knowlden
McKenna is from West Valley City, Utah. She has lived in Ada for four years. She is currently going to school for Elementary Education online at Grand Canyon University. In her free time she likes to paint, go on walks with her dog, and read. She is excited to work at the center for the opportunity to help children learn and grow. She loves being apart of the learning process and being able to see how excited children get when they learn and accomplish new things.
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.
Sending our daughter to ONU's preschool was a wonderful experience. She loved going each day, and it was always evident how much the teachers care about children. I never had to worry.Ronda Lehman
I have sent both my children to the ECDC and couldn't be happier with the results. Not only is it a top-notch program, but it is very convenient as well. ONU is fortunate to have such a wonderful childcare option for faculty and staff.Brian Paris
"The warm and caring staff at the ECDC has always made it easy for me to put the care of my child in their hands. It is obvious that the teachers and student helpers are very passionate about what they do, and they go above and beyond to not only teach the children in a fun way, but also create an atmosphere where the children feel loved and special. In addition, many of my classmates have had the opportunity to intern at the ECDC and have had some wonderful experiences doing so. I’ve heard about how they have learned to communicate and listen to small children, adopt a level of patience that is required when dealing with children, and also create new ways to teach and communicate different concepts of learning. That is so important not only to the children learning, but also as a wonderful experience for the students at ONU who are interested in working with children in the field of psychology."
-Alison LeBlanc
"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
My wife and I are exceptionally impressed with the great work accomplished at the ECDC. The curriculum for the children combined with the opportunity to be in a structured, organized environment provides excellent care and opportunity for the children.Justin Hollon
Want to learn more?
If you have questions or would like more information about the Early Child Development Center, you can reach our director, June Zimmerman, at 419-772-2141 or via email at p-zimmerman@onu.edu.