Infants (6 weeks to 18 months)

Infants are offered a warm, loving atmosphere and will participate in gross motor play, imaginative play, language development, sensory motor and musical activities. Feeding, diapering and napping schedules vary with each child’s needs.

Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)

Toddlers will be given ample opportunities to explore, create, and engage in: art, music, sensory, fine and gross motor and language activities. The staff will work cooperatively with parents to assist each child in gaining independence in toilet training.

Preschool (3, 4 and 5 years)

Preschoolers will be encouraged to use the resources available to them throughout their day. These resources include art, music, science, math, language development, large muscle and dramatic play; with an emphasis on learning through play; readiness skills will be developed.

School Age (Kindergarten through 6th grade)

Before and after school programs are available for school age children. Games, computer time, arts and crafts, and recreational activities will be provided.

School Delays/Cancellation (School Age)

Our program will operate a full day program for the school aged children when school is closed for vacations, delays or cancellations.

What is Pre-K / Preschool Education?

Preschool refers to an early-childhood educational class for 3-4-5 Year-olds. A childcare center with experienced, well-trained teachers and stimulating activities offers kids advantages. In fact, many preschools are part of childcare programs. Here at Great Day Child Care Learning Center, we offer this program.

"There's increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool," says Kathleen McCartney, PhD, dean of Harvard Graduate School of Education, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. "At preschool, they become exposed to numbers, letters, and shapes. And, more important, they learn how to socialize -- get along with other children, share, & contribute to circle time."

Every child should have some sort of group experience before he starts kindergarten. What preschools do that less formal classes don't is teach kids how to be students. Your child will learn how to raise her hand, take turns, and share the teacher's attention. What's more, she'll learn how to separate from Mommy and Daddy. All of this makes for an easier transition to kindergarten. Kindergarten teachers will tell you that the students who are ready to learn are those who come into school with good social and behavior-management skills.

In addition to strengthening socialization skills -- how to compromise, be respectful of others, and problem-solve, preschool provides a place where your child can gain a sense of self, explore, play with their peers, and build confidence. Young children can certainly learn letters and numbers, but to sit kids down and 'teach' them is the wrong way to do it. They learn best through doing the kinds of activities they find interesting. Keep in mind that for small children, school is all about having fun and acquiring social skills -- not achieving academic milestones. Kids need to be imaginative and to socialize. Childhood experts agree: Attending a high-quality program prepares kids for kindergarten and beyond.

Both Great Day Child Care Learning Center locations in Middlefield & Madison, Ohio offer both preschool education and childcare. We Teach with Creative Learning programs. Enroll now. We have limited openings. Give your child the advantage that they need.

Gary Cox
President Great Day Child Care