State requirement exeeding - 5 STARS SUTQ - Christian Curriculum
All lead teachers have associates degree minimum
State licensed | Adhering to all State Early Learning Development Standards
Our approach to early education starts with an intense passion for care, and a philosophy that requires treating ALL children as innocents. We believe that ALL children should be given the same opportunities for success, but that each child be treated differently to attain that end. Montessori integrated curriculum is an important piece of this strategy, and while we are still not Montessori accredited, we are working to implement Maria Montessori’s method wherever we can. Maria Montessori’s values included setting high expectations for ALL children, but without leaving any one child behind. She wanted to promote self-discipline and a sense of motivation and purpose, but without creating an environment that associates fear with mistakes.
"The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination."
We believe in using a discipline policy that draws from the root meaning, disciple, not the modern idea that incorporates punishment. We believe in leveling with children and talking with children about decisions, and using their hands for good things.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
In practice, our teachers use individual instruction with an emphasis on learning through modeling examples and doing instead of verbal instruction. We also allow children independent learning at individual workstations instead of greater classroom instruction.
We have five out of five stars of quality with the State of Ohio Step Up To Quality program. It means that your child will receive the best early learning education found anywhere.
The State of Ohio also now requires a rigorous transition policy, that ensures each child is placed gently and gradually upon entry to the center and to and from each classroom. As a result, parents are required to sit down with the administrator to create a plan for each child’s transition. We have noticed a huge difference in the way that children adapt to the change in care from home to our center. It is incredible how impactful it is when parents take a little time to meet with us to ensure a successful transition, sharing foreseeable areas for concern.
The following forms of payment are accepted: Paypal, Check or Cash
Please contact us to find out about pricing. We can tell you that our pricing is the same as PFCC (rates are subject to augmentation depending on our Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) Star rating. As of 10/6/17 our augmented SUTQ percentage is 22.72% ). Private Pay families aren't charged a larger amount in comparison to the state. As the state changes the rate of pay for PFCC so will our private pay rates change.
Agora's Little Gems accepts PFCC funding as payment for tuition. If you qualify, the State of Ohio may also require a weekly copayment, depending on your income level. Refer to ODJFS for more information, or feel free to talk to our administrative staff. We are permitted by the State of Ohio to assist you with your application, and we prefer that you submit your application through us to ensure that your application is complete, and for tracking purposes.