One lucky winner will receive a customized summer camp blanket by KicksbySammy AND an Ecological Puzzle by Adventerra Games USA. Enter to win here!
Meet Our Toledo Parent Cover Kid!
MEET JASPER, winner of our Cover Kid Contest!
We asked Jasper’s mom to tell us a little bit more about the adorable cover kid’s favorite things. Here’s what she shared!
Age: 16 months old.
Hometown: Northwood.
What is his favorite game? Peek-a-boo behind the curtains!
Toy that he can’t live without: The ball pit in the basement playroom!
Song he can’t stop singing: Patty cake.
What is his favorite place to play in Toledo? He loves the Toledo Zoo!!
Jasper also absolutely LOVES to hang out in the gym with his dad. He loves chasing his doggies around (Bailey is a four-year-old red husky and Roxy is a 10-year-old pitbull). His favorite movies are
Aladdin, Moana and Frozen. He loves playing with all of his cousins and is the happiest and busiest toddler ever!
Photo courtesy of Kelli Miller Photography and Design
Childcare & Preschool Guide
We reached out to preschools and daycare programs throughout the Toledo area, and they provided day-in-the-life style rundowns of their programs. For parents interested in the Montessori method, the arts, cultural diversity and other methods for educating kids, here is a Q&A to help weigh childcare options.
Imaginative Beginnings
4937 Woodville Rd., Northwood
419-697-5605
imaginativebeginnings.us
Is your curriculum play-based, academic-based or something
different?
We utilize Creative Curriculum as our classroom curriculum, as
well as Conscious Discipline, which is a leading method in brain-based, social-emotional learning that builds resilience in children.
Does the Center offer half days and/or full days? Is lunch provided on full days?
Our Center only offers full-day childcare and preschool. We provide breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. We do not serve the children any processed meat. In other words, no corn dogs, frozen chicken patties, frozen chicken nuggets — we serve fresh lean meats, fruit and veggies.
Does the Center have early drop off and/or late pick up available
for working parents?
Our Center hours are 5:30am-5:30pm. Imaginative Beginnings
What training/certifications and experience do the teachers hold?
We require Lead Teachers to have a minimum of a CDA and that they currently be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree program for early childhood.
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating?
We have a 4-Star rating.
How long has the school been operating?
The school has been in operation for 16 years.
What kind of diversity experience does the school offer?
We accept families of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
What kind of support does your school offer for children with disabilities?
We partner with local schools, the Childcare Resource Center, and Help Me Grow. As a partner with GLCAP and Head Start, we have Head Start Advocates that work directly with families, teachers and children.
What is your school’s goal/mission?
Our Mission at Imaginative Beginnings is to raise the bar for quality childcare. We want to fill the gap for those families that need a safe, clean and educational environment.
Educare Academy
631 Euclid Ave. 419-691-6444
3158 Navarre Ave., Oregon. 419-693-6982
943 N. Dixie Hwy., Rossford. 419-666-9843
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
educareacademy.com
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 two days a week. M/W or T/TH 9:00-3:15. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided.
Does the Center have early drop off and/or late pick up for work-
ing parents?
Our program hours are 6am-6pm.
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 fields. There is ongoing professional development yearly (30 hours).
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating?
5. 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.
Cardan Montessori Center
1555 S. Byrne Rd., Ste. 100
419-787-7376
cardanmontessori.com
Is your curriculum play-based, academic-based or something different?
We use the Montessori curriculum, a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.
Does the Center offer half days and/or full days? Is lunch provided on full days?
We offer both a morning preschool, from 8:30am–12:30pm, and a full-day preschool program based on the family’s scheduling needs. Breakfast, morning snack and lunch are provided for both morning and full day preschool.
Does the Center have early drop off and/or late pick up available
for working parents?
Our hours are 4:30am-8pm to accommodate the schedules of our families.
What training/certifications and experience do the teachers hold?
Our Lead teachers hold either a degree in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate (CDA) and have a combined 80 years of child-care experience.
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating?
3.
How long has the school been operating?
Since November 2019.
What kind of diversity experience does the school offer?
Cardan Montessori Center is committed to creating an inclusive school culture where students from every background are embraced and celebrated. To enrich learning in our classrooms, we explore diversity, incorporating it into our activities and lessons. Our staff and student population reflect the multicultural nature of our country.
What kind of support does your school offer for children with disabilities?
We partner with Harbor Behavioral Health and Help Me Grow
to provide resources to students with special needs.
What is your school’s goal/mission?
To provide an environment that frees the child’s potential for self-development, curiosity and the joy of learning. Cardan Montessori Center brings Montessori education within reach of all children and their families, regardless of race, ability or socioeconomic status.
Children’s Discovery Center
Franklin Park 1 (Talmadge 1), 3839 Talmadge Rd. 419-474-8303
Franklin Park 2 (Talmadge 2), 3905 Talmadge Rd. 419-292-2528
Perrysburg, 11090 Ave Rd., Perrysurg. 419-874-8203
Harbortown 7033 Lighthouse Way, Perrysburg. 419-872-4510
Waterville, 8011 Dutch Rd., Waterville. 419-878-8689
Holland Wolf Creek, 1640 Timberwolf Dr., Holland. 419-861-1060
childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Is your curriculum play-based, academic-based or something different?
We use the Reggio Emilia educational model to inspire our teaching. It is viewed as child-led and emergent, where children learn through discovery and exploration. Since our educational program views the child as competent, capable and amazing, we seek to nurture his/her interests.
The teacher and children work together to design projects, which encourages growth in physical, emotional, creative, and intellectual development. The teacher is a partner in learning with the child while acting as a resource, facilitator and documenter of learning in the classroom. We believe that a creative environment is essential for inspiring young children to learn. Therefore, the Inspired Approach to Learning emphasizes aesthetic design elements such as color, focal points, texture, lighting, displays, furnishings and the use of nature. Our environments include museum-quality exhibits as well as an art studio where children are encouraged to explore, make discoveries and use a wide array of creative media and materials. Our creative director assures that our centers integrate natural elements into the environment, personalize the space with the children’s work and reflect current
design trends based on research and the latest innovations.
Does the Center offer half days and/or full days? Is lunch provided on full days?
We offer both full and part time programs. Our infant program is full-time from age six-weeks to 18-months of age. Once a child is 18 months, they can continue full-time and also have a part time option. We offer a Monday-Wednesday-Friday or a Tuesday-Thursday schedule. These can be full or half days. Lunch is included on full days and, with a fee, on half-day morning schedules.
Does the Center have early drop off and/or late pick up available
for working parents?
Each location is open from 6:45 am-6pm. We offer before and after-school care for school-age children, kindergarten through fourth grade. We offer a summer camp program for ages
kindergarten through age ten for 10 weeks in the summer for our working parents.
What training/certifications and experience do the teachers hold?
We have a variety of teaching experience across our centers. Our
teachers hold high school diplomas, child development associates, associate degrees in early childhood education and bachelor degrees. Longevity is also valued.
What is the school’s Step Up to Quality star rating?
Perrysburg: 3 stars
Talmadge 1: 3 stars
Talmadge 2: 4 stars
Wolfcreek: 3 stars
How long has the school been operating?
In June 1982, with an extensive background in early childhood
education, a love of children, and a few innovative ideas, Lois Mitten Rosenberry, founder and CEO of Children’s Discovery Center, opened the first Children’s Discovery Center location.
Learning to be A Kid Again
For families with children battling life-threatening illnesses, relaxing family time can be difficult to achieve. Often, anxiety and stress affects all family members, and a lot of time is spent visiting hospitals and doctors while undergoing treatments and other medical procedures for the child. The organization A Kid Again works to bring a sense of normalcy back to children battling life-threatening illnesses by hosting year-round events, called Adventures, for the whole family to enjoy.
Helping kids be kids
A Kid Again began in Columbus in 1995 and has grown across Ohio and in neighboring states. The organization was formed to meet the need for children and their families to have events and activities to look forward to while undergoing treatment for their illnesses. Meghan Hawkins, Program and Communication Director
for the Northern Ohio Chapter, explains “A Kid Again includes the entire family because it’s so important to improve the well-being of everyone who is touched by the illness.”
To qualify for A Kid Again, the enrolled child must be under the age of 20 with a diagnosis which is deemed life-threatening by a medical professional, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, sickle cell disease, heart conditions and other issues. Medical bills multiply quickly for a family raising a child with a life-threatening illness, so Adventures are cost free to the family. Admission, parking, meals and other costs are paid for by A Kid Again through the help of sponsors such as Cedar Point, GPD Group, Kaulig Giving, Interim Healthcare others.
By giving families a break from their daily stress, and allowing them to participate in an activity they might not otherwise be able to afford due to medical bills, Adventures allows the children to be around other kids with similar experiences. Hawkins explained, “90 percent of the children we serve say they feel a greater acceptance by others and are less fearful of public scrutiny due
to being around other kids with similar medical conditions.”
Adventures in the area
The Northern Ohio Chapter typically hosts nine Adventures a year, including trips to Cedar Point, the Toledo Zoo and the Rotary Community Park in Perrysburg, where the Chapter hosts an annual Fall Festival with food, music, Halloween fun and an all-inclusive playground, accessible for children of all abilities.
Due to the pandemic, the organization started hosting Virtual Ad-
ventures with a magic show, cooking class, a scavenger hunt, a behind the scenes tour of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s Shark Tank and a Dance Party with the Cleveland Guardians. Additionally, the Adventure in a Box program, which provides kits to families with supplies for fun activities at home, are distributed to involved families.
Getting involved
Interested community members can become Adventure Guides, volunteer at other events, help fundraise for the Adventures, join the Advisory Board or Associate Board or refer a family that might qualify for A Kid Again. Hawkins stressed that “there is no limit to the number of families that we can serve, and we look forward to welcoming more families as we gear up for 2022 Adventures!”
To refer a family, or to enroll your own family, visit akidagain.org and fill out an application.
To become a sponsor or to volunteer for events, visit [email protected].
New Kids on the Block – March/April 2022
CycleBar Perrysburg
A new indoor cycling center, CycleBar, is set to open in Perrysburg this spring, as a fitness center dedicated to indoor cycling with personalized classes, exhilarating challenges and a supportive and inclusive environment for those looking to up their fitness game.
CycleBar will be located in the new French Quarter Square. Memberships are available in a tiered system with 4 rides per month at $79, 8 rides per month at $129, and unlimited rides per month at $169. There are five class types offered including connect, performance, classic, xpress and empower. They also will offer events and competitions for members throughout the year. For more information visit cyclebar.com. —EI
Toledo Pre-Med and Health Science Academy
A new high school is opening in the Toledo area to inspire kids and give the next generation of healthcare workers a head start. The Toledo Pre-Med and Health Science Academy, under the supervision of Principal Jack Hunter, is a high school for students with an interest in the medical field. Students have the option to take AP or college level courses and will graduate the program with an STNA license.
The school, in the Toledo Public School District, is set to open in Fall 2022 and will be accepting 70 students for the first year. Admissions have already begun and applications are available at tpsmed.org. —EI
Goldfish Swim School
The Sylvania Board of Zoning Appeals has approved the establishment of Goldfish Swimming School located in the former Family Video at Holland-Sylvania and Brint Rd. Classes will be offered to children from four months to 12 years old. Parents will attend class with their children and aid them with water acclimation and basic exercises. Difficulty levels range from beginner to advanced so the proper skill level class is available for each child. More information can be found at goldfishswimschool.com. —EI
Raising Cane’s in Perrysburg
Poultry perfection will soon arrive in the area at a popular fast food chain, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Opening the first northwest Ohio location later this year, the restaurant will be located on Fremont Pike in Perrysburg, one of the businesses occupying the rebuild on the site of the former Holiday Inn French Quarter (now called French Quarter Square). Other tenants of the new development include Condado Tacos, CycleBar (see above) and Biggby Coffee. raisingcanes.com —JM
March/April Giveaway – SideKick Plus 3-in-1 Hip Seat Carrier
This month’s giveaway prize is a must-have for parents on the go! The adaptable SideKick® Plus 3-in-1 Hip Seat Carrier makes carrying
easier and more comfortable for moms, dads, and their precious cargo. Thanks to its multi-functional design, the SideKick® Plus can be used independently as an infant carrier and hip seat so two caregivers can each carry a child, providing convenient, extended use for growing
families. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges SideKick® Plus as a “hip-healthy” product when used as directed.
Enter to win today!