KIDS PLAY

•	Lower group size in the infant room for birth to 12 month olds; lower ratios in the preschool and school age classrooms.
	This means our teachers have more time to support your child’s individual development and learning. This is a critical factor as we know that 85% of brain development occurs by the time your child is 3 years old and the number of words your child knows when they enter kindergarten is the single most important predictor of school success.
•	The administrator and at least 50% of teachers have a credential and/or a degree in early childhood education.
	This means that the administrator and teacher(s) have formal knowledge to support your child's development and learning. This is important because just like a doctor needs formal education and specialized training, so do the individuals working with young children. Working with young children is a science - brain science.
•	The administrator, all lead teachers, and assistant teachers complete 10 hours of specialized training annually.
	This means that the administrator and teaching staff are committed to expanding their knowledge and skills to better support your child's development and learning. This ensures that early care and education professionals keep up-to-date with the ever-changing knowledge base of our profession.
•	Provides annual performance evaluations, professional development planning and at least two benefits (such as insurance, paid leave, tuition reimbursement etc.) to employees.
	This means that the program is a place where employees are supported and treated professionally. This is important because the best programs retain the best teachers.
•	Teachers conduct a developmental screening upon entry and utilize Ohio's Infant Toddler Guidelines, Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards and K-12 Standards in their curriculum planning.
	This means that your child's program uses research-based information when planning your child's day. This is important because it means teachers are intentional in planning their teaching strategies in order to support your child's development and learning.