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 program) validator from the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas 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 20 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, fire extinguisher and workforce bloodborne pathogens training.
Each classroom has a lead teacher with either a teaching certificate and/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. young Days Christian Academy pay for required training.
Curriculum Philosophy