The Orange Early Childhood (OEC) Preschool has had an extraordinary year, marked by outstanding achievements and exciting growth. One of the program’s biggest milestones came during its recent state licensing visit, where it was cited with zero non-compliances—a rare and remarkable accomplishment in the world of early childhood education. This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of the OEC team in maintaining the highest standards for children and families.
As the program continues its pursuit of excellence, the OEC staff has been diligently preparing for a visit from a state specialist for Step Up to Quality, Ohio’s tiered rating system for early childhood programs. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement, the team is working to ensure that the program meets the rigorous criteria necessary to achieve a top-tier rating. This preparation involves refining classroom practices, enhancing learning experiences, and implementing high-quality professional development opportunities for staff.
In addition to these efforts, OEC has been approved by the state to receive the Creative Curriculum, a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that supports young learners in developing critical skills through hands-on exploration and play-based learning. This new addition will further enrich the educational experiences offered to children in the program and align with best practices in early childhood education.
The 2025-2026 school year promises to be an exciting one, as OEC continues to expand to serve the growing needs of the community. For the first time ever, the program will serve over 200 students, marking a new chapter of growth and opportunity. This expansion underscores the community’s trust in the exceptional care and education provided by OEC and highlights the program’s continued commitment to fostering a strong foundation for young learners.
We are incredibly proud of our dedicated staff, engaged families, and, most importantly, the amazing children who make OEC such a vibrant and enriching place to learn and grow. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue striving for excellence in early childhood education!