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.
> More details can be found in our Partners in Education handbook (4MB PDF)

Unique Aspects of our Programs - Number 5 of 10 Mini University, Inc. will Support National Education Goals by providing strong language, literacy and math curriculums based on scientifically based research on how children learn through play.

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
  How to adjust to new situations
  How to follow classroom routines
• Physical Development
  How to use tools for writing and drawing
  How to control the small muscles in my hands
• Cognitive Development
  To observe objects and events with curiosity
  To be aware of the position my body has in space
• Language
  To expand vocabulary and introduce descriptive art elements
  To observe patterns and gain a spatial sense

Kindergarten Program
Mini University offers a developmentally appropriate private Kindergarten designed for children between the ages of five and six years old and implemented with a focus on the individual needs and differences of each child enrolled. This program stimulates each child's learning in all developmental areas – physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. This integrated approach to learning, development, and curriculum takes into consideration "the whole child."

Parents often choose Kindergarten at Mini University because of our small class size and professional teaching staff. The class generally consists of 20-24 children and is staffed with two teachers, providing a ratio of approximately 1:10. The Kindergarten teacher is a professional educator who meets all state of Ohio credentialing and licensing requirements and the Assistant Teacher has training and experience working with children and often has an Associate or Bachelor's degree.
> More details can be found in our Partners in Education handbook (4MB PDF)

School-Age Program
The oldest children in a Mini University center are the school age children, affectionately referred to as "the Seniors." These children range in age from 5-12 years old, and depending on the center, may be divided into 1-3 classrooms. The emphasis in our school-age program is placed on group activities that stress cooperation and respect for others. The children are allowed time to explore, reflect, expand, socialize and complete tasks in accordance with their individual interests. The classrooms are fun, exciting, and developmentally appropriate for the students.

The greatest compliment Mini University has received about the quality of our school age programs is the "Top Ten" list created by the Seniors. This list identifies the reasons why the students in this age group love coming to Mini University programs and includes things like "creek walks," "field trips," "listening to cool music," and "making our own snack!" As children get older and feel they don't need to come to "childcare" anymore, it's nice to know Mini University has a quality program designed with their interests in mind, where parents know they're safe and kids know they'll have fun.
> More details can be found in our Partners in Education handbook (4MB PDF)