In an uncertain era, parents have much to keep in mind as they seek out childcare and preschools that are safe, affordable and effective. Learn about some of the Toledo area’s best options!
Children’s Discovery Center
West Toledo:
3839 Talmadge Rd.| 419-474-8303
Perrysburg:
11090 Avenue Rd. | 419-874-8203
Is your curriculum play-based, academic-based or something different? Children’s Discovery Center was founded on a mission to cultivate and nurture young minds through the unique Reggio Emilia education model. Recognized around the world, this inquiry-based approach invites children to explore concepts by investigating, creating and collaboratively solving problems as a group. The teacher and children work together to design projects that encourage growth in physical, emotional, creative and intellectual development. The teacher facilitates higher level thinking with the child, and acts as a resource, guide and documenter of learning in the classroom.
Since our educational philosophy views children as competent, capable and amazing, we seek to nurture their interests by creating developmentally appropriate learning centers that focus on each child’s interests.
We also believe early childhood learning begins with discovery in a compassionate environment. The atmosphere we have cultivated in our various centers is best described as adhering to The Seven Principles of Early Childhood Classroom Design:
Nature Inspires Beauty, Color Generates Interest, Furnishings Define Space, Texture Adds Depth, Displays Enhance Environment, Elements Heighten Ambiance and Focal Points Attract Attention.
Does the center offer half days and/or full days? Is lunch provided on full days? We offer full and half days. We do provide lunch.
Does the center have early drop off and/or late pick up available for working parents? We are open 7:00 am-6:00pm Monday- Friday. Some locations have extended hours.
What training/certifications and experience do the teachers hold? The Executive Director has a Master’s degree in Education and thirty-eight years of experience in early childhood. The Chief Operating Officer holds a bachelor’s degree, has taken graduate coursework in early education, and has twenty-five years of experience in the field. Most teachers and center directors are graduates of accredited colleges and universities where they majored in Early Childhood, Elementary Education or a related field.
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating? Three.
How long has the school been operating? Children’s Discovery Center has been operating since 1982.
What kind of diversity experience does the school offer? Enrollment is available to any child regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
What kind of support does your school offer for children with special needs?
Child Assessments: Formal and informal assessments are conducted on each child to evaluate developmental progress of educational and social/emotional skills. If there are areas of concern, community referrals may be made upon the parent’s request.
What is your school’s goal/mission? Children’s Discovery Center, a premier early care and education provider, respects the child, encourages learning through exploration, and supports the family within a creative, nurturing, and Christian environment.
What sets your center apart from others?
Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood
STEAM Component
Enrichment Classes
Attractive Facilities and Equipment
Nutritionally Balanced Meals
Christian Philosophy
Accredited Kindergarten
Parent Conferences & Newsletters
Security &Camera Monitoring System
Parent Engagement App
Educational Consultant Assures Compliance with Ohio’s Early Learning
Content Standards
Discovery Room with Children’s Museum Exhibits
Inviting Classrooms featured in "Inspiring Spaces for Young Children"
Art Studio
Award-Winning Company:
Top 50 Largest Child Care Company in North America
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Enterprise
Ohio’s Outstanding Child Care Director
Cleveland District’s Small Business of the Year
BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
Athena Award
Milestones Recipient
Entrepreneur of the Year
Manager of the Year
What does an average day look like at your childcare center?
Preschool Schedule:
7:00–8:15 Arrival
8:15–9:00 Learning Center Rotation
9:00–10:00 Reggio, Project Based Experience
10:00–11:00 Morning Meeting, STEAM Centers
11:00–11:30 Project Reflection/Research
11:30–12:00 Outside
12:00–12:30 Wash Hands, Lunch
12:30–1:00 Clean-Up Lunch, Wash Hands
1:00–3:00 Nap
3:00–3:30 Snack/Clean-Up/Stories
3:30–4:30 Table Top Activities/ Choice Centers
4:30–5:00 Outside
5:00–6:00 Table Based Experiences
Educare Academy
Euclid: 631 Euclid Ave. | 419-691-6444
Oregon:
3158 Navarre Ave. | 419-693-6982
Rossford:
943 N. Dixie Hwy., Rossford | 419-666-9843
Toledo:
806 Starr Ave. | 419-693-7550
3580 Lagrange St. | 419-242-4777
111 Indiana Ave. | 419-254-4000
4450 Jackman Rd. | 419-478-3131
1940 W. Laskey Rd. | 419-474-3400
2303 Cheyenne Blvd. | 419-865-8191
1902 W. Sylvania Ave. | 419-214-1322
Is your curriculum play-based, academic-based,
or something different?
The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, Guided Edition is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features hands-on, project-based investigations as a pathway to learning. It includes the most up-to-date early childhood development research and offers the embedded support and guidance to bring a content-rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum to life effectively.
Does the center offer half days and/or full days? Is lunch provided on full days? The program is 2 days a week. M/W or T/TH 9:00-3:15. Yes, breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided.
Does the center have early drop off and/or late pick up for working parents? Our program hours are 6:00am-6:00pm
What is the adult to child ratio? 1:12
What training/certifications and experience do the teachers hold?
Child Development Association (CDA), AA or BA in Early childhood education or related field. There is ongoing Professional development yearly (30 hours)
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating? All 10 locations are five-star rated.
How long has the school been operating?
We have been in business for over 50 years.
What kind of diversity does the school offer?
All children are welcome in our centers. Cultural diversity in our classrooms involves celebrating those differences and creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance among students and the greater school community.
What kind of support does your school offer for children with special needs? We have partnerships with many facilities in our community.
What sets your center apart from others?
We have a SUTQ 5 star rating.
Sylvania Children’s Center
3421 Talmadge Rd. | 419-537-1122
Is your curriculum play-based, academic-based or something different? Play and nature-based, with a focus on learning through the children’s interests. We love to facilitate engaged learning experiences for our community of learners!
Does the center offer half days and/or full days? Is lunch provided on full days? We do provide half day and full day options, as well as options to have a few days or a full week. We believe that lunch is an extension of the home and family, so our children pack a healthy lunch daily. We do provide at least 2 snacks daily as well. In the late Spring and early Summer, this could very likely be coming out of our garden.
Does the center have early drop off and/or late pick up available for working parents? Our school day is from 8:30am-3pm, however, we do offer Extended Care from 7:30am to 6pm.
What is the adult to child ratio? As we are a NAEYC accredited Center as well as rated 5 stars on Step Up to Quality, our ratios are 1 to 4 for Infants, 1 to 6 for Toddlers, and 1 to 10 for Preschoolers!
What training/certifications and experience do the teachers hold? Our teachers hold degrees in Early Childhood Education. Our professional development requirements are double the state licensure requirements!
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating? We are very proud of our 5 star rating – and strive to continuously push for excellence!
How long has the school been operating? 29 years and going!
What kind of diversity experience does the school offer? We celebrate diversity both amongst our staff and children. Looking around, you will find an experience that welcomes all!
What kind of support does your school offer for children with special needs? We provide smaller class sizes, hands-on learning, and additional support and partnerships with agencies in the area.
What sets your center apart from others? We strive to build a community of learners with a focus on excellence. Our play-based environment is quite welcoming, nature-based, and completely surrounded around the needs of each child. We love what we do, and we think you can feel it as you come into our doors!
What does an average day look like at your childcare center? Our school day is from 8:30-3, but we offer care from 7:30am- 6pm. A very full day awaits every child that comes in, with much exploration and investigation. We love our outdoor playspace, and spend a lot of time there— rain or shine! Have you seen our garden? Let us offer you a favorite vegetable! Whether it’s reading a favorite book tucked away into the loft, or playing outdoors with your closest friend digging for buried treasure in our digging pit, we have something for everyone.
What is your school’s goal/mission? Our mission is to develop a community of learners committed to excellence in Early Childhood Education! It’s a partnership and a team effort, and we love the inclusion of all!
