About A Great Start Preschool Centerville Ohio

"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 for our school 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 in 2007, we hit 200 children during the 2007-2008 school year. Due to this growth and success of our school, we have hired new staff, bringing the total number of staff members to 12, and we now serve over 200 children. 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 six classrooms (Rooms 101, 103, 105, 114, 116, 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, Computer, Blocks, 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. Our facility is safe and secure, with a door code entry system to enter the preschool. 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 16 and a junior and Centerville High School, and Kyle who is 13 and in 8th grade at Watts Middle School. I have an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration, and 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.

Julie Z., Teacher’s Aide

Tuesdays and Thursdays AM&PM

Ms. Julie has been employed with AGSP since 2009. She started as a Substitute Teacher with us, and this is her second year as a Teacher's Aide . Julie has a BSBA degree and has been active in the Academic Volunteers Program within Centerville Schools, and her youngest child attended our school for two years.

Ms. Christa, Teacher’s Aide

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, AM&PM

Please welcome Ms. Christa to A Great Start Preschool! Christa comes to AGSP with more than 15 years experience working with preschoolers. She has served as a Behavioral Specialist, Tutor, Before Care Director, Teacher Assistant, and Preschool Teacher. Christa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Community Services with an emphasis in Child Development.

Ms. Peggy, Smart Start and Preschool Plus Teacher, Room 105

Monday through Friday, AM&PM

Ms. Peggy began her employment with A Great Start Preschool as a substitute teacher in 2008. Peggy has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, and has been experience as a Preschool Teacher, Assistant Director, and Director.

Ms. Beth, 5 Day 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 since 1998, and she has been with AGSP since we opened. Beth has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Kerri, Smart Start and Preschool Plus Teacher, Room 114

Tuesdays and Thursdays, AM&PM

Ms. Kerri joined A Great Start Preschool in 2005. Originally hired as substitute teacher for us, Kerri has taught our Preschool Plus Program since 2006. She is excited to be able to teach a Smart Start Class in addition to a Preschool Plus class this fall. 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. Amy, Smart Start Teacher, Room 103

Tuesdays, Thursdays AM&PM

This is Ms. Amy's fourth year at A Great Start Preschool! Amy has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education and has worked in the public school system with children with learning disabilities, with middle school students, and as a substitute teacher. After taking a few years off to be with her four children, Amy is excited to be teaching.

Ms. Julie H., Little Learners Teacher, Room 101

Mondays through Fridays, AM and Tuesday, Thursday PM

Please welcome Ms. Julie H. to the teaching staff at A Great Start Preschool! Julie has been involved in AGSP since our first school year in 2004, but this is her first opportunity to be part of our staff. Julie has a Bachelor's in Education, and experience teaching all ages including pre-k through fifth grade in a public school. Recently, Julie has worked with preschoolers in a local Ballet and Gymnastics program, and is excited to be working with our toddlers this fall.

Ms. Erica, SmartStart Teacher, Room 101

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays PM

Ms. Erica has been a substitute teacher for A Great Start Preschool since January 2007. She attended University of Toledo for two years majoring in Education, and her youngest child attended our school for two years. She is an active volunteer in the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools. Erica is eager to be in a permanent teaching position at AGSP this fall!

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 Teacher, Room 114

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays AM&PM

Ms. Sharon has been with our school since 2006. She has been involved in the Centerville Academic Volunteer and Literature Circle Programs, and has been a volunteer for the Centerville Coed Junior Dance Team. Sharon is also certified in Orton Gillingham, and tutors dyslexic children at the Children's Learning Center in Dayton. Sharon has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and has many years experience working with preschoolers as well as teaching kindergarten. In her free time, she enjoys eating out, especially Italian, and going to the movies with her family.

Ms. Melissa, SmartStart and Preschool Plus Teacher, Room 116

Monday through Friday, AM&PM

Melissa has been with A Great Start Preschool since 2007. 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 a lot of experience working with children through Church groups, as a Reading Tutor, Center Helper at a local elementary school, and as a Nursery worker. Prior to working at AGSP, she was employed as a teacher of three year olds at a children's program (similar to Hope's Parent's Morning Out Program). Melissa has earned over 45 State of Ohio Inservice training hours in child development and other related fields.

Ms. Pam has been the Little Learners teacher at AGSP since we opened in 2004, and worked with me in another preschool setting since 2001. In August 2011, Pam announced that she had to take an unexpected medical leave. Perhaps someday Ms. Pam will be able to return to AGSP, but until then, we wish her a full recovery and send her our prayers!

Substitute Teaching Staff

From time to time, our teachers may need a session off. To continue to provide your children with quality education, we have a qualified team of substitutes to ensure a smooth day. Sometimes our permanent staff members who work on an alternate schedule may substitute. Our other subs include: Ms. Dawn, Ms. Jennifer, Ms. JoAnne, Ms. Laura, and Ms. Lynn. You may even see Ms. Diane floating around the hallways in substitute positions!