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 preschool option for the children of University faculty and staff, and 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 6:00 p.m.
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.
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 (4.5 hours or more per day): $32 per day
Half Day Preschool Program (4.5 hours or less per day): $20 per day
Full Day Toddler (4.5 hours or more per day): $35 per month
Half Day Toddler (4.5 hours or less per day): $23 per month
A qualified staff member is 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. Each team includes a full-time teacher who has a four-year degree in elementary education with a master's degree in education with a concentration in leadership and instruction and practical experience in the child care field beyond their degree.
Also included are two part-time teachers who have their associates degree in early childhood. The team also includes student workers who serve as teacher assistants. By combining teachers and teacher assistants with varying levels of experience, a mentoring relationship can develop that will increase the strength of the teaching team.
The team is responsible for developing curriculum that is thoughtful and thought provoking. All teachers contribute to weekly planning sessions and attend scheduled staff meetings.
June Zimmerman is the director at the ONU Early Child Development Center. She moved to Ada, Ohio, from Montana, where she was born and raised. Ohio Northern University brought her to Ada where her husband teaches organic chemistry. They currently live in Ada and have two children, Molly and Zack. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in reading and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in leadership and curriculum. She enjoys reading, doing projects around the house and spending time with her family. Her passion is to ensure that our facility offers quality early learning experiences for all children in our care.
Vi Huff is a preschool co-teacher at the ECDC and is a lifelong resident of Hardin County. She currently lives in Ada and enjoys the benefits of a small town community. She is married to her husband Charles, and they have two children, Nichole and Noah. She has a Child Development Associate Certificate in early childhood development. She enjoys being a part of all children’s learning journey and looks forward to many new experiences to come.
Gail Schoonover is a teacher assistant at the ECDC and is better known as Mrs. Schoonover. She lives in Benton Ridge, Ohio, and is married to Bob (Fireman Bob). They have three sons, Tony, Jonathan and Cody. She also has three grandsons named Lincoln, Owen and Baker and a granddaughter on the way. She has worked at the Child Development Center for almost two decades. She has an associate's degree in early education. She enjoys working with children because every day is something new.
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.
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
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
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.