A Great Start Preschool Centerville Ohio

Christina Miller, M.Ed.,                                             Founder and Director
A Great Start Preschool
in Hope Church
5980 Wilmington Pike
Dayton, Ohio 45459
937-312-1621
 
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About A Great Start Preschool

A Great Start Preschool offers quality, part-time preschool for children ages two to five!

    - A Great Start Preschool Virtual Tour

"At A Great Start Preschool, it is our primary goal and purpose to provide a Preschool environment in which teachers and students experience an enthusiasm for learning and accomplish successes.  We promise to provide the children with ample opportunities to grow socially, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively in our child centered environment."

With the faith and support of a wonderful team of staff, as well as encouragement from many preschool families, colleagues, and friends, my husband and I founded A Great Start Preschool, Inc. in July 2004 and found a home in Hope Church.  When I first put together a business plan, I optimistically expected to start our first year with 40 children.  After all, it was July, and with classes beginning in September, many children had already been enrolled at another school.  But thanks to word of mouth referrals and blind faith, we started the school year with twice as much!  Our second year in business we added afternoon sessions and grew a whopping 55%!  By the time the school year drew to a close in May 2006, we were serving 136 children.  We had an astounding 153 children enrolled for the 2006-2007 school year, and, after adding an additional classroom this summer, we are pushing full capacity for the 07-08 year at over 185 children!  Due to this growth and success of our school, we will be adding three new teachers to our staff for the 07-08 school year.  Thank you so much for your continued support and referrals!  

 A Great Start Preschool is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation.  We are licensed by the State of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.  

We have been blessed with the opportunity to house our program in Hope Church.  The Church Staff and Church Members have been very supportive and welcoming.  In exchange for a monthly usage fee, we occupy five classrooms (Rooms 101, 103, 105, 114, 131).  The Director's office is in Room 108.  From each classroom, there is close access to the large, fenced playground.  On days of inclement weather, we have use of the Hudson Hall (Fellowship Hall) for gym and large motor activities.  We also use the Kids Church room on a daily basis for Music and Movement Activities. Each classroom is decorated with hand painted murals which are pleasing to children.  Classrooms are arranged in learning center areas including Home Living, Library, Art, Science, and more.  Our rooms have quick access to child size restrooms; many classrooms have restrooms directly adjacent to them.  The facility is air-conditioned.  Each room has thermostats which can adjust the heat and air for that classroom as needed.  Classrooms and restroom are cleaned daily.  A Great Start Preschool has no affiliation with the Church, and therefore any comments, questions, concerns or compliments should be directed to the Preschool Director.  

We are honored to provide your children with a great start on their education! 

About Our Staff

Ms. Christina Miller, Preschool Director

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30-2:30  

Summer Office Hours by Appointment

My name is Christina Miller and I am the Founder of A Great Start Preschool and the Preschool Director.   

My husband and I live in Centerville with our two children, Liz who is 12 and in the 7th grade at Watts , and Kyle, who is 9 and in 4th grade at John Hole.  I have an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration.  In June 2007, I earned a Master's of Education Degree in Educational Leadership.  I also hold a State of Ohio Teaching License in Pre-Kindergarten Education.  Throughout my educational career, I have become dedicated to educating the community about the long-term benefits of participation in a quality preschool program prior to entering kindergarten.  Children are our future...if we teach them well, they will lead the way.  

Ms. Stephanie, Teacher’s Aide

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays AM&PM

Stephanie is our Teacher's Aide on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  I have had the pleasure of working with Stephanie for eight years, and she has been with A Great Start since we opened.  Stephanie has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with special training in Child Development, and has earned a State of Ohio Certificate of Training in Early Childhood Education.  Before working as a Teacher's Aide in Ohio, Stephanie was a Preschool Director for over ten years in her hometown of Chicago.    

Ms. Diane, Teacher’s Aide

Tuesdays and Thursdays, AM&PM

Our Tuesday, Thursday Teacher's Aide is Diane.  This is Ms. Diane's  

Ms. Beth, SmartStart and KinderStart Teacher, Room 131

Monday through Friday AM&PM  

It is my privilege to introduce you to Beth. I have had the opportunity to work with Beth for the past ten school years. In addition to teaching the KinderStart Program, Beth will be teaching the SmartStart program at A Great Start Preschool on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Beth has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a degree in Early Childhood Education. 

 Ms. Kerri, Preschool Plus Teacher, Room 105

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays AM&PM

This is Ms. Kerri's third year at A Great Start Preschool.  Originally a substitute teacher for us, Kerri taught the Preschool Plus program last year, and is very excited to return to the same program this year.  Kerri is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has experience working with preschoolers in several capacities, including Assistant Director, Case Manager, and Kid Fit Aerobics Instructor. 

 

Ms. Traci, Smart Start Teacher, Room 105

Tuesdays, Thursdays AM&PM

Please welcome Ms. Traci to A Great Start Preschool!  Traci has a Bachelor's of Science in Health and Human Services from Ohio University, and most recently has been a substitute teacher in Centerville City Schools.  Traci has enjoyed her opportunities to sub at Centerville Preschool, in the Young Five's classes at CKV, and in first grade classrooms.  Traci is also an active volunteer at her children's elementary school.  She is very excited to join us this year!

 

 Ms. Pam, Little Learners Teacher, Room 101

Mondays through Fridays, AM  

Pam is our Little Learners teacher.  Ms. Pam has been teaching toddlers for many years, in a private preschool setting as well as at her Church Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  Pam has been with A Great Start Preschool since we opened our doors, and I have had the honor of working with her for over six years. Pam has earned over forty five State of Ohio In-Service Training Hours, earning her a State of Ohio Certificate of Training in Early Childhood Education.  and is also CPR certified.  I look forward to a year of fun with Ms. Pam on our team of dedicated teachers!  

 

Ms. Dawn, SmartStart Teacher, Room 101

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, PM

Please welcome Dawn to our staff this school year.  Dawn has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education, and has completed some graduate coursework in education.  In Dawn's public school teaching experience, she was a classroom teacher for an inclusion classroom.  Dawn is to excited to rejoin the workforce this year, and we look forward to getting to know her! 

 

Ms. Jackie, Preschool Plus Teacher, Room 103

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays AM&PM

Jackie has been with A Great Start Preschool since we opened our doors. She is a graduate of the National Nursery Examination Board (a British teaching degree equivalent to Early Childhood Education) and has earned a certificate in Montessori Education. Ms. Jackie has a wide range of teaching experience, including serving as a private nanny, and serving on the Children’s Cooperate Preschool Advisory Board in Centerville.

 

Ms. Sharon, KinderStart and Preschool Plus Teacher, Room 114

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays AM&PM

Sharon joined our staff last school year as a Smart Start teacher.  This year, Sharon will be teaching a KinderStart class in the mornings, and Preschool Plus in the afternoons.  Since Sharon moved to Ohio about five years ago, she has become involved in the Academic Volunteer and Literature Circle Program at Stingley, and is also a volunteer for the Centerville Coed Junior Dance Team. Sharon has a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and has many years experience working with preschoolers and also has experience teaching kindergarten.    

 

Ms. Melissa, SmartStart Teacher, Room 114

Tuesdays and Thursdays, AM&PM

It is my privilege to introduce you to Ms.  Melissa. This is Melissa's first year at A Great Start Preschool, and she will be teaching in our new classroom.  Melissa earned a a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business, but soon thereafter discovered that her true passion was working with children.  Melissa has lots of experience working with children through Church groups, as a Reading Tutor, Center Helper at a local elementary school, and as a Nursery worker.  Most recently, she has been employed at as a teacher of three year olds at a children's program (similar to Hope's Parent's Morning Out Program).  Melissa has already begun attending State of Ohio In-service Training Classes over the summer.   

 

Substitute Teaching Staff 

From time to time, our teachers may need a day off.  To provide your children with the same quality of education, we have a qualified team of substitutes to ensure a smooth day.  Sometimes teachers who work on an alternate schedule may substitute.  Our other subs include:  Ms. Cara, who has a Master's of Education and has previously been a Preschool Plus teacher at A Great Start Preschool, and Ms. Eileen, who hold a B.F.A degree.  Ms. Eileen's child attended A Great Start Preschool, and she was added to our substitute list last school year.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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