Ladybird Academy

by Susan Shalhoub

Hybrid work. Remote work. On-call positions. Duties that extend well beyond normal work hours... working in a post-COVID world is complicated, which means childcare needs to be more flexible than ever before. Ladybird Academy and its 18 Central Florida locations have kept up with current work/life trends and provide the solutions busy families need. It is one of the few childcare providers in the area offering both morning and afternoon programming for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years old. 

Most importantly, children at Ladybird Academy get a truly superior, quality educational experience where they can play, explore, and thrive. Their growth and development are center stage with engaged, creative, qualified instructors and plenty of peer friendships made along the way. 

Quality Care for Hard-working Families

Ladybird Academy features a NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation) certified teaching philosophy. The curriculum uses stories, toys, games, and music to guide cognitive and language development, social and emotional growth, and fine motor skills. Using the latest interactive technology, the Academy’s skilled staff delivers high-quality care that inspires learning on a schedule most convenient for parents.

The Academy has password-protected live webcams that allow parents to check in on their children at any time – all through an app on their phone.

“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,” says Linzi Hansla, senior operations manager of Ladybird Academy. 

The webcams serve another purpose, too. It’s one of the many security measures Ladybird Academy has in place – along with the school’s biometric fingerprint scanners and magnetic door locks.

Where Learning Is Fun

The Academy’s flexible schedule and phone app help accommodate busy parents. But at Ladybird Academy, someone else is busy, too... the kids! 

Not only do they have fun while learning in the computer lab, science lab, library, and art studio, but they also spend lots of time outdoors – watching clouds roll by, enjoying the sunshine, and staying active on age-appropriate play equipment.

“Our recreational spaces include bike trails, soccer pitches, and AstroTurf playgrounds that are outfitted with shock-absorbent safety surfaces,” Linzi says.

Fundamental learning – the core components of math, language, and reading – is incorporated into each developmental stage of a child’s time at Ladybird Academy.

“We believe that even the youngest children have the capacity to learn,” says Linzi. 

The theme-based curriculum units feature specific enrichment lessons, educational activities, and lively instruction designed to engage children and capture their sense of curiosity. The hope is that Ladybird Academy can spark a curiosity and love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Nutritional Know-how

All this learning and play, of course, requires the proper fuel. And at Ladybird Academy, tuition includes formula and baby food for babies and breakfast, lunch, and two healthy snacks a day for the bigger kids. 

Socially enjoyable and nutritionally important, mealtimes are also learning times at Ladybird Academy. It’s when children are introduced to concepts of table manners, the colors and tastes of foods they experience, and proper hand washing. 

 If it takes a village to raise a child, Ladybird Academy serves as the village square with its community of schools waiting to welcome and nurture your little one. The Academy offers a safe place for all children to feel respected, with their differences honored. At the same time, the Academy’s challenging academics give children the opportunity to feel pride in achievement as they succeed through developmental stages along with their peers.  

“When children step into a Ladybird Academy,” says Linzi, “they gain access to limitless opportunities for their growth and development.”