Ladybird Academy
by: Shelley Ouellette
As one of Florida’s top-rated childcare providers, Ladybird Academy delivers quality early-childhood education programs that encourage children to create, explore, move, and play.
With 18 locations serving the greater Central Florida region, Ladybird Academy features an N.E.C.P.A (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation) certified teaching philosophy that incorporates stories, toys, music, and games to aid in cognitive development, social and emotional growth, language development, as well as gross and fine motor skills.
“These interactive lessons and activities are designed to stimulate the senses and are delivered by experienced, qualified educators who teach children ages six weeks through five years the foundations for elementary school success,” explains Linzi Hansla, senior operations manager of the Ladybird Group. “Additionally, all of our schools have highly qualified and experienced directors and employees who provide the best quality care. Combined with our educational curriculum, this gives Ladybird Academy graduates the knowledge to exceed standard kindergarten expectations.”
When children step into a Ladybird Academy, they gain access to limitless opportunities for their growth and development, Linzi adds.
“We are committed to providing our students access to advanced technology, enrichment activities, and engaging instruction in a safe environment that feels like a home away from home,” she says.
Education on Your Schedule
Ladybird Academy is also one of the few childcare providers in the region that offers families morning and afternoon VPK options. Working parents can also take advantage of the Academy’s VPK wraparound program that includes a full day of academics and activities for families that require more than three hours of childcare.
“Academics are a top priority in our award-winning centers,” says Linzi. “Because we believe even the youngest children have the capacity to learn, we integrate math, reading, and language fundamentals into all class levels from infancy to preschool. Our exclusive Learning Adventures by Ladybird curriculum is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive learning experience specifically designed for every developmental stage of education with theme-based units, specific learning activities, enrichment lessons, and fun and engaging instruction.”
Ladybird students also enjoy access to the Academy’s many enrichment activities such as sports and state-of-the-art outdoor recreation spaces.
“With a wide range of age-appropriate climbing and play equipment, our recreation spaces include bike trails, soccer pitches, and AstroTurf playgrounds that are outfitted with shock-absorbent safety surfaces to reduce the likelihood of little bumps and bruises,” says Linzi. “Our meal program offers kids healthy, fun menu options for breakfast, lunch, and two snacks a day while also integrating learning opportunities that highlight proper hand-washing and table-manners and explore the colors, flavors, and textures of each meal.”
Ladybird Academy is also well-known for its top-notch safety and security features. Parents are encouraged to check in on their little ones at any time via the Academy’s live, online password-protected webcams.
“Our daily reporting system gives parents a unique peek into their child’s classroom,” Linzi says. “Accessible via an app on their parent’s phone, the system provides a live feed of the child’s day including photos and videos as they are uploaded by each teacher. Parents and authorized family and friends can view real-time posts about their child’s day including sleeping patterns, meals, and activities giving them a sense of connection and interaction while they are temporarily separated. Sophisticated safety and security features including biometric fingerprint scanners and magnetic door locks are also standard at each Ladybird facility.”
The Ladybird Community
Ladybird Academy not only fosters and encourages academic success, it is a place where children and their families come to build lifelong relationships. Ladybird Academy is bigger than a school, it is a community that cultivates inclusion in which everyone feels welcomed and empowered.
“When I began searching for a career, I struggled to find a program that matched my passion for early-childhood education,” says Haley Brinkmeier, director of Ladybird Academy Lake Mary. “Ladybird Academy has greatly outshone other programs and truly focuses on what is best for all children academically and emotionally. Here at Ladybird Academy, we are a compassionate and nurturing community where all children feel valued and respected. It is a great honor to watch the students surpass developmental milestones and succeed past our greatest expectations. When families enroll in Ladybird Academy, they expect the highest quality care, which we always strive to deliver.”
To learn more about Ladybird Academy or to schedule a tour, visit LadybirdAcademy.com.