Mission Statement
We believe that Young Days Christian Academy is called by God lead children and families into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by providing a quality educational program which promotes developmentally appropriate growth: spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.
Philosophy Statement
Our primary objective is to provide superior Christian education in a nurturing atmosphere which embraces the whole child. We believe that children should learn in a stress-free, safe environment where guided and free expression activities are combined to enhance each child’s full potential. Young Days Christian Academy is a ministry of East Lake United Methodist Church based on the scriptural principle of service to the community. We dedicate ourselves to nurture children’s development.
Standards
Young Days Christian Academy is licensing by Pinellas County Child Care Licensing and visited by a representative to verify compliance prior to our license being renewed. We are also inspected by the Fire Marshall’s Office and the Health Department before our license can be reissued each year. A VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) validator visits our center each year to ensure that we are meeting the requirements for the state-funded four year old prekindergarten program. We meet or exceed all requirements set forth by all these organizations.
Accreditation
Young Days Christian Academy meets the standards of Gold Seal Accreditation in the state of Florida through NAC (National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders). This accreditation is renewed every 3 years.
Admissions Policy
Young Days Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Our Staff
We have a team of dedicated professionals who have the welfare and best interest of your child as their top priority. Everyone on our staff is required to have the State of Florida 40-hour Child Care certification and 5-hour early literacy training offered through the Department of Children and Families, with additional 15 hours of child care related training per year. Most of our staff have advanced degrees. The state requires fingerprinting and an extensive background check, which is done prior to employment. All of our staff is required to have current CPR and First Aid training with in the first year of employment.
Each classroom has a lead teacher with either a Teaching Certificate or a Child Development Associate Credential or other advanced degree.
Educational Advancement: Young Days Child Development Center encourages all employees to further their education and become members of professional organizations. We also pay for all required training.
Curriculum Philosophy
Young Days Christian Academy’s philosophy is that children learn through play. Interactions with other children, adults and hands-on experiences lead to academic success. The more senses that are involved with an activity, the better! Developmentally appropriate activities in the areas of language, fine and gross motor, social/emotional, and cognitive development are incorporated into your child’s learning experience. Christian values will be taught through Bible stories and songs, memory verses, daily prayer, Chapel and social interactions.
We all know that 2 year old children are in constant motion and are developing many new skills. We will be provided a rich learning environment that helps them expand their vocabularies, find appropriate ways to express their creativity, and safely discover the world around them. Using our WEE curriculum and other lesson planning tools we assure you that your child will have the resources necessary to allow them to achieve these goals.
Building on a 3 year old child, “I can do it!” attitude, our program will use discovery, experimentation and exploration in building higher-level thinking, language, math, social, and motor skills. To help accomplish these goals we will use a creative, hands-on approach to learning that includes fun and challenging activities.
Our VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) 4 year old program will use the WEE curriculum and Creative curriculum. These and other curriculum tools help build a foundation for lifelong learning through play. By investigating new interests and experiences, children will gain independence and self-confidence in their growing abilities while achieving readiness skills necessary for kindergarten.