Programs

Infant Program (6 weeks to ~16-18 months old)

Staff to child ratio: 1:4

Our infant program has a tradition and reputation for excellence in providing caring love to each baby. The staff is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and age-appropriate learning environment.

Infants learn through warm, respectful and loving interaction with the adults around them. This type of interaction can be seen as the staff talks to each baby during diaper changing, feeding time and when placed in their crib to rest. We place a high degree of importance on treating each baby as an individual with unique needs. We consider the parents our partners. We count on your support by providing us with information about your baby and what works best for him or her so that we are supporting you as your child’s first and best teacher. Communication is important.

The daily program offers many stimulating experiences for your infant such as sign language, reading books, singing, art activities, buggy rides and playing games. Infants are given a variety of space in which to explore. Our family room, located in the center of the building is frequently utilized. During the warmer months the babies and staff enjoy using the fenced-in outdoor play yard or taking buggy rides on the beautiful, wooded campus.

Your infant will occasionally interact with retired Sisters of Notre Dame who love to visit, hold and rock the infants.

The Center welcomes and encourages calls from parents or drop-by visits during the day. Nursing mothers may wish to feed your baby as your schedule permits. We want to make your transition to Maria Early Learning Center as pleasant as possible.

Toddler Program (16-18 months to 36 months)

Staff to child ratio: 1:6 or 1:7

Depending on the readiness of the child, children enter Maria’s toddler program at 16, 17 or 18 months. The toddler years are fun and exciting, filled with exploration and blossoming social skills as children become increasingly independent.

At Maria Early Learning Center we understand that children learn best through play. Therefore, toddlers are given plenty of opportunities to play with age-appropriate toys, climbing equipment, and collaborative activities with teachers and other children. The children, under adult supervision, use a variety of art mediums to express their developing creativity.

Toddlers are always on the move and we give the children lots of space to run, jump, climb and dance. The children have their own playground with equipment that is especially designed for toddlers. Riding toys, a tunnel, slide, and sandbox make up the attractive and well-maintained play yard where the children spend the majority of their time when the weather permits.

Academic concepts such as learning the alphabet, counting and color recognition are woven into the daily activities. At Maria Early Learning Center we support emergent literacy skills in toddlers through frequent storytelling and surrounding the children with many print materials. We encourage language development as adults listen and respond to the children as they begin telling their own stories. Children are also exposed to prayer before meals and snacks.

As the children move into the older toddler group, teachers, in collaboration with parents/guardians, begin introducing toilet training.

At Maria Early Learning Center we find the 2’s a delightful stage that often passes too quickly.

Preschool Program (Ages 3 to 5)

Staff to Child ratio: 1:12 or 1:14

Maria Early Learning Center offers an excellent preschool program designed to expose children to academic skills incorporated into the art of play. Children enter our preschool at age three. Lead preschool teachers have degrees in Early Childhood Education. Their work in the classroom reflects the principles of developmentally appropriate practice as advocated by The National Association for the Education of Young Children as well as Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards. Readiness for kindergarten and growing in social confidence are goals for our older preschool children.

Play is an important part of Maria’s early childhood program. Some play affords children opportunities to tap into their creative instincts; other types help develop skills that are essential to school success such as letter and number recognition.

Our preschool program supports the physical development of children through planning daily activities that promote gross and fine motor exercises. When the weather permits, children take walks on the grounds and love to play on the outdoor play equipment. Classroom activities and materials provide multiple opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills so necessary for future printing and handwriting.

Age-appropriate religion lessons taught weekly support the concepts that were introduced in Maria’s toddler program. Teachers emphasize biblical values such as peace and respect.

The children frequently visit the retired Sisters of Notre Dame at their home located on the campus. These intergenerational “friends” enjoy holiday parties, outdoor games, or simply chatting together.

The preschool years are full of wonder. At Maria Early Learning Center we love being a part of these special years and strive to create strong bonds with the families we serve.

Testimonials

"Our grandaughter has been in the school since she was about three months old. We are so impressed with the school and its organization, the teaching, the learning, and the character building that is going on. These children are truly being equipped with the necessary tools and skills required as they enter the next phase of their educational experience.
- Don and Sharon O'Rourke

"The most important decision we made and it is reaffirmed every day-what a great decision it was. Thank you to all the staff at MELC."
- Schmidt Family