Early Childhood Learning Center

Unique Childcare Center located in Middletown, Ohio

Abilities First provides an inclusive environment where children with special needs and children who are developing typically learn alongside one another and develop caring relationships.  Congratulations to Abilities First for earning a four star quality rating from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. 

See the Journal News story by Michael D. Clark. Click here.

Infant and Toddler Program

Abilities First follows a primary care-giving model in Infant and Toddler classrooms. Primary care giving provides infants and toddlers with the opportunity to develop a close, trusting relationship with a consistent caregiver who knows the child and family well.
Preschool
The preschool classrooms are set up for the children to learn as they explore the different centers in the environment. The teachers work with the children in small groups.  So, they can meet each child at their own developmental level and help prepare for kindergarten.

School Age Program
Before and after school care for school-agers up to 5th grade is offered at Abilities First. While also, incorporating the K-12 guidelines into the program to reinforce the similar skills other children are learning at school.                                                                                

The Creative Curriculum

Teachers use the Creative Curriculum to plan activities for their primary group as well as create individual plans for each child. This curriculum provides teachers with a clear way to apply child development and learning theories to their everyday work with their students. Using the Creative Curriculum, many children with a broad range of disabilities needs are able to be met.  Children with different learning styles and needs are able to function together in a well- organized environment. When planning,  teachers focus on six developmental areas for the children: physical health, emotional development, social development, motor development, language and communication development, and cognitive development.

Step up to Quality is Ohio’s rating system for childcare centers. Participation means that the ECLC has gone beyond meeting the basic needs of children. Abilities First offers a program with lower staff to child ratios which provides more one-on-one time for each child to address their individual learning needs.

• The ECLC Director and at least half of lead teachers have credentials or a degree in Early Childhood Education, and complete continuing education each year.

Inclusive Environment

• Individualized lesson planning for all children so their developmental and learning needs are addressed.
• Priority enrollment for children with special needs in all age groups.
• Availability of on-site pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy for children during their scheduled time in the center. On-site nurses are also available.
• A team approach to the management of children with special needs including families, schools, community support agencies and Abilities First personnel.
• Free therapy screening to any child enrolled in the center when a parent has developmental concerns.
• Routine classroom screenings for all children within the first 60 days of enrollment and repeated twice throughout the year to monitor progress.
• Parent-Teacher conferences are held quarterly where parents and teachers work together to create goals for their children.

For further information or to schedule a tour contact, call Brittany at 513-423-9496 or email her atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Supported by United Way of Greater Cincinnati and United Way of Warren County.