Our Programs
The Grace Early Childhood Center provides a safe and secure environment with well-trained and loving teachers who engage and challenge children to think using one-on-one, small group, and large group instruction as well as incorporating meaningful hands-on activities. Our teachers take advantage of all planned and unplanned teachable moments, encouraging children to explore, discover, communicate, anticipate, and reflect. We maintain a balanced routine that seeks to foster a love of learning. Our ultimate goal is to partner with you to help raise a bright, God-loving child while supporting them in these significant years of development.
Our Program Philosophy
The operating philosophy of our programs is based on years of experience in the early education field, the Ohio Early Learning & Development Standards, and The Creative Curriculum®. This foundation ensures teachers can be as effective as possible at providing children with developmentally-appropriate programs which support active learning and progress in all developmental areas.
Program Structure
We have structured all our programs in accordance with the five domains of school readiness as defined by the Ohio Early Learning & Development Standards:
Social & Emotional Development
Physical Wellbeing & Motor Development
Approaches Toward Learning
Language & Literacy Development
Cognition & General Knowledge
Spiritual Development
We have added a sixth domain — Spiritual Development — and have incorporated a biblical emphasis. We want to teach children about God and the Bible because we consider that an essential component to a well-rounded education.
The Infant Program
We understand the importance of an infant having a loving, nurturing, and consistent caregiver. That’s why our staff works with parents to provide an environment designed for each infant to feel loved and secure. We implement a low teacher-to-child ratio to ensure that each infant receives the care and attention they require. Teachers spend time holding, cuddling, and laughing with each child on an individual basis.
In addition to spending time in our specialized outdoor infant courtyard, teachers talk, sing, and read stories with infants to help encourage language and motor skill development. The infant rooms are always open to parents who would like to stop in during the day.
The Toddler Program
Our toddler rooms are equipped to help children develop new skills and build upon pre-existing ones. Our teachers lead the classroom in a predictable and balanced daily routine in accordance with our developmentally-appropriate academic and biblical curriculum. Structured activities are balanced with times of creativity and exploration to instill a love for learning.
The Preschool Program
Our preschool program seeks to prepare children for their future academic experiences in an engaging and enriching environment. Our goal is to set children up for success as they continue in their schooling. Our teachers use a variety of activities, including group and one-on-one learning time, learning centers, and free play to support the academic and Bible curriculum. In addition to our everyday curriculum, preschool children enjoy various activities through the year that enhance the learning experience. They include chapel, music and art classes, a visit from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and other themed activities.
The Fun in the Son Summer Program
- Sibling of currently-enrolled full-day Grace Early Childhood Center students.
- Recent alumni of the Grace Early Childhood Center.
- Attend Worthington Christian School.
If your child falls into one or more of these categories, you can request waitlist information here.
Our 2024 program dates are June 3–August 9!
Fun in the Son enrollment is currently full. Notification of acceptance/waitlist will be sent in April.
