Infant and Toddler Programs
Mini University's infant programs incorporate NAEYC's Accreditation Criteria, Ohio's Infant and Toddler's Guidelines, and the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) philosophy. The RIE philosophy is based on the research of Magda Gerber and Dr. Emmi Pikler.

The RIE (pronounced "rye") philosophy is based on RESPECT for each child. The educarer respects an infant by talking directly to the child, explaining what he/she is about to do, making eye contact, and by waiting for the child's response. RIE’s goal is to help nurture AUTHENTIC infants who are: Competent, Confident, Curious, Attentive, Exploring, Cooperative, Secure, Peaceful, Focused, Self-Initiating, Resourceful, Involved, Cheerful, Aware, Interested and Inner-Directed.

Developmentally appropriate programs for children from birth to age 3 are distinctly different from all other types of programs. They are not scaled-down versions of a good program for preschool children. These program differences are determined by the unique characteristics and needs of children during the first three years:

• changes take place far more rapidly in infancy than during any other period in life.
• during infancy, as at every other age, all areas of development (cognitive, social, emotional, and physical) are intertwined.
• infants are totally dependent on adults to meet their needs.
• very young children are especially vulnerable to adversity because they are less able to actively cope with discomfort or stress.

Unique Aspects of our Programs - Number 3 of 10 Mini University, Inc. will Assist lower income families in affording the highest quality care for their children by making the necessary arrangements with agencies providing public assistance and grants.

Preschool Program
Mini University's preschool program is based on NAEYC's Accreditation Criteria, Creative Curriculum for Preschool, and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Early Learning Content Standards. The four themes of ODE that guide the work we do with Preschoolers are:

1. All children are born ready to learn
2. Environments matter
3. Relationships are influential
4. Communication is critical

• Social Emotional Development
  To demonstrate self direction and independence
  How to share and respect the rights of others
• Physical Development
  How to balance myself while I am moving
  How to control the small muscles in my hands
• Cognitive Development
  How to approach problems with flexibility
  To explore cause and effect
• Language
  How to actively participate in conversations
  How to ask questions

Kindergarten and School Age Programs
The Miami Valley Hospital Child Care Center does not offer Kindergarten or School Age programs. However, these programs are offered at our other centers.

Child Nutrition
Many Mini University Centers participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The CACFP is a child nutrition program of the United States Department of Agriculture. Childcare centers are reimbursed a meal rate to help with the cost of serving nutritious meals to enrolled children. The meals must meet CACFP meal pattern requirements for children and infants. Accordingly, participating Mini University Centers provide iron fortified infant formula and baby foods for the families that choose to use it in our infant program. Toddlers amd preschoolers have a breakfast, lunch and snack each day that meet the requirements set forth by CACFP.
> More details can be found in our Partners in Education handbook (4MB PDF)