Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely.

Our Ohio-based locations are all rated GOLD in Ohio's Step Up to Quality program, and our William Mallory Early Learning Center is.

Our Kentucky-based locations are all 5 STAR-rated and accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs.

Team members throughout our organization are deeply involved in early childhood leadership and partnership roles with agencies such as Southwest Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, Groundwork Ohio, United Way of Greater Cincinnati Success by Six, Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development, Community Learning Center Institute, and many others.

Learning Grove's commitment to quality is reflected in its educational philosophy, strong family partnerships, highly trained teachers, relationship-based care practices, and emphasis on low teacher-to-child ratios. Learning Grove's approach is grounded in child development research and constructivist learning theory, with teachers continually observing, assessing, and planning experiences based on each child's individual needs and interests.

Learning Grove also utilizes relationship-based practices such as primary caregiving, which research shows supports children's emotional regulation, learning, and early brain development.

Tuition varies by location and program.

Because Learning Grove operates programs in both Ohio and Kentucky and works within different funding structures, tuition rates may vary based on factors such as program location, classroom age group, operating costs, and available public funding supports.

We do warmly welcome funding supports in both Ohio and Kentucky. Examples of these sources include:

• Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
• Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care Program
• Ohio Child Care Choice Voucher Program
• Cincinnati Preschool Promise

We are also a long-time partner with Early Head Start in both Ohio and Kentucky.

Learning Grove's educational philosophy is rooted in constructivism, the belief that children learn by actively exploring, experimenting, asking questions, and making sense of the world around them. Children construct knowledge through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions with people, materials, and their environment.

Our teachers intentionally create rich learning environments, observe children's interests, and guide learning through thoughtful questions, exploration, and play.

Learning Grove believes that play is essential for learning and development. Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, communication skills, self-confidence, emotional regulation, creativity, and early academic concepts.

Is that like Montessori?

There are some similarities. Like Montessori programs, Learning Grove values child-led exploration, carefully prepared environments, hands-on materials, and respect for each child's developmental pace. However, Learning Grove's philosophy is explicitly grounded in constructivist theory, drawing heavily from the work of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.

Do children really learn through play?

Yes. Play supports children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Through play, children practice problem solving, communication, decision making, emotional regulation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Play-based learning has been shown to positively impact early math skills, spatial reasoning, and executive functioning.

Want to learn more? Explore our full position statement on the importance of play.

Learning Grove views behavior as communication. Rather than focusing solely on correcting behavior, teachers work to understand what a child may be communicating through that behavior. Learning Grove's philosophy recognizes that what appears to be "misbehavior" may actually be a sign of anxiety, stress, frustration, or an unmet developmental need.

Teachers focus on:

• Building secure relationships
• Maintaining predictable routines
• Preparing children for changes and transitions
• Reducing unnecessary stressors
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Partnering closely with families to understand each child's individual needs

The goal is to help children develop mastery over their emotions and experiences rather than relying on punishment.

Here's a bit more from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that shines light on our approach to guiding behavior: Guide Children's Behavior

Here's another good read from NAEYC about how "time outs" and other exclusionary measures can negatively impact a young child: Exclusionary Discipline Practices in Early Childhood | NAEYC

Learning Grove implements lower teacher-to-child ratios than state regulations require, as we view teacher-to-child ratios as one of the strongest indicators of quality. We offer low staff-to-child ratios to support individualized attention and relationship-based care.

Infant: 2:8
Toddler (18 months-3 years): 2:10
Preschool (3-5 years): 2:20

Let us know if you want to view Ohio or Kentucky's state standards on ratios; we're happy to share more information.

Learning Grove helps children become kindergarten ready by focusing on the whole child. Through play-based, constructivist learning experiences, children develop early literacy, math, problem-solving, communication, self-regulation, and social-emotional skills that support success in kindergarten and beyond.

Teachers continually observe, assess, and plan experiences based on each child's developmental progress and interests. Learning environments are intentionally designed to encourage curiosity, independence, critical thinking, and confidence.

Learning Grove also places significant emphasis on social-emotional development, recognizing that children learn best when they feel secure, connected, and emotionally supported.

Here are some data points we're proud to share around getting young ready for school and life:

• 74% of Learning Grove preschoolers are on-track for school readiness, well above the state averages for Ohio and Kentucky
• 89% of children are on-track in social and emotional development

Learning Grove teachers regularly observe, document, assess, and plan learning experiences based on children's development, interests, and family input. Assessment is an ongoing process that helps teachers individualize learning experiences and support each child's growth.

We deploy nationally-recognized, research-backed tools that assess the whole child, such as: Teaching Strategies GOLD, Ages and Stages Questionnaire, BRIGANCE Early Childhood Screen, and others.

We have been serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky families and children for nearly 50 years. We know this community's neighborhoods and needs very well, and it strengthens our work with young children.

Strong Parent Partnerships

Learning Grove views parents as children's first and best teachers. Families are considered partners in every aspect of a child's development, and strong relationships between families and teachers are seen as essential to children's success. In fact, 93% of families report that Learning Grove meets the needs of their family.

Relationship-Based Care

Learning Grove uses a primary caregiving approach that promotes strong, consistent relationships between children, families and teachers.

Social-Emotional Development

Learning Grove recognizes that children's emotions, relationships and sense of security are foundational to learning. Our training for all teachers includes a strong focus on supporting emotional well-being and helping children develop resilience and self-regulation skills. In fact, we're so committed to it that we also employ early childhood specialists who float through every classroom as needed, offering additional coaching and support for teachers' work in this space.

Research-Based Philosophy

Learning Grove's work is grounded in constructivist theory and informed by child development research. Teachers are expected to understand constructivism, developmentally appropriate practice and social-emotional development.

Thoughtful Learning Environments

Our learning environments are intentionally designed to support exploration, independence, play and meaningful learning experiences. Our walls, artwork, furniture and learning spaces are calm and engaging, built to be more homelike for a child's comfort.

Teachers balance structure and flexibility, using children's interests and developmental needs to guide learning throughout the day.

Your child will experience:

• Child-initiated exploration and play
• Small-group and individual learning experiences
• Outdoor play and movement
• Opportunities for exploring creativity, literacy, math, science and problem solving through play
• Consistent routines that help them feel secure and confident
• Meaningful interactions with teachers and peers