Priscillia James-Lee is the Owner and Sr. Director. Priscillia has a Bachelors degree in Marketing and Political Science and her CDA is in Infant & Toddler Education.

Brittani Newman is the Infant & Toddler Director in training. Brittani has a a CDA in Infant & Toddler Education.

Breanna Caudill is the Preschool & School Age Director in training. Breanna has a CDA in Preschool Education.

“Agape Academy was established to provide quality, loving care for children ages infant through school age. We recognize the importance of balanced growth so we provide opportunities for mental, physical and emotional growth through a variety of creative experiences. Our Children are encouraged to learn and explore at their own pace in areas that interest them. We are pleased that you have chosen to include us in the growth and development of your children.”

All teachers have or are working on achieving a minimum of a CDA Certificate. Most of the lead teachers have degrees/certificate of a related field or they are currently enrolled in a degree program. All staff members are required to complete 15 clock hours of training annually. In addition, our teachers participate in 2 In-service trainings during our Spring and Fall quarters.

Yes, Agape faculty are required to follow the state regulations that apply to training. All staff are trained in First Aid/CPR, Infectious Disease Control, Injury Prevention, and Child Abuse Awareness. Additional training in curriculum, child development, classroom arrangement, classroom management, age-appropriate activities, nutrition, field trip planning and OSHA regulations provide the skills needed to create a quality learning environment. The staff is also encouraged to further their education through a variety of Early Childhood Programs and are given opportunities to attend professional training conferences.

Negative punishment of any kind is prohibited. Teachers address behavior issues by using positive reinforcement, encouragement, and redirection and by making sure they plan a variety of engaging activities.

Children are supervised at all times.

Yes, we actively monitor the cameras to ensure safety and well-being of our teachers and children.

All rooms are equipped with puzzles, books, art materials, a writing center, blocks, dramatic play, and a natural science area. The materials are organized and refurbished according to interests.

As a part of the REGGIO inspired curriculum, we emphasize playing with natural materials that are traditional and non traditional. All classrooms for infants and toddlers are equipped with a variety of toys and manipulatives including cause and effect toys. As a part of the REGGIO inspired curriculum, we emphasize playing with natural materials that are traditional as far as toys, and also non traditional materials such as counting and sorting rocks, and other elements of nature.

We use weekly lesson plans to promote individualized growth and development.

Teachers engage children in conversation all day long. They narrate activities and encourage children to verbalize what they are doing and thinking. Teachers listen to children and provide opportunities for them to express themselves. They ask questions designed to expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of concepts. Open ended questions spark conversation and encourage children to listen to themselves and to each other.

Every classroom has a rich collection of nonfiction and fiction children’s literature. Teachers read aloud to children individually and in small groups every day. Teachers select books related to themes but also allow children to select books from their preferred titles. Reading and rereading books provides a critical foundation for literacy. Children are also encouraged to write and use a variety of artistic materials to express their ideas. In addition, we offer an on site library for our children to continue to build a firm literacy foundation.

Agape is in partnership with CACFP and follows all USDA specified guidelines with portion and nutrition requirements. All food is prepared and delivered to the classroom in safe, temperature controlled kitchen carts. All kitchen employees are trained using Safe Serve. Infants 12 months and older are served whole milk in partnership with parents. Children 2 years of age and older drink 2% milk. In accordance with the recommendations of the American Pediatric Association, Agape does not serve juice. We serve fresh fruits and vegetables in season and prefer frozen to canned alternatives. Our meals and snacks meet or exceed recommended guidelines for healthy eating and are prepared from scratch in our kitchen. Our Menus encourage children to try a variety of foods in order to develop healthy appetites.

Adults and children wash their hands as they enter the classroom, before eating, before and after changing or toileting, before handling food and before and after playing in sand and water tables.
Hand washing signs are displayed near all sinks and on the doors to each classroom to remind parents, teachers and children to wash their hands often.

All surfaces are cleaned using bleach solution and soapy water before and after food preparation.

Yes, our school is equipped with a large outside play area. We also provide lawn play for our children. The children have scheduled times in the morning and the afternoon to explore their outside world. Our playground is nature driven with minimum commercial products. We encourage our children to dream and imagine while playing.

Agape follows all of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services licensing requirements.

Yes. All teachers and staff are required to maintain all ODJFS required trainings.

Yes, we have 2 school buses with seat belts to transport children to and from Hilliard schools.

Yes, school lists are finalized at the beginning of each school year.

Yes, our buses are available for area field trips. We transport children who meet the state age requirements. These children are given opportunities to see their community and other places of interest year round. Whether it is the local grocery store, the petting zoo, the library, or entertainment places such as roller skating, bowling or putt-putt golf, we provide fun and learning for the children and guarantee the maximum safety for parents’ peace of mind.