Toddler Care
Learning through play, language every minute and patient potty-training support.
Preschool and pre-K · 3 to 5 years
Preschool and pre-K in Mentor, Ohio
LSU's preschool and pre-K classrooms get 3- to 5-year-olds ready for kindergarten through hands-on learning. Children practice early reading, math, problem solving and getting along, using a curriculum aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards.
- Ages 3 to 5 years
- Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Prefer to talk? Call (440) 255-6011, Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
What will my child explore?
Early readingLetters, sounds and writing their name
Early mathCounting, shapes, patterns and sorting
Science and discoveryExperiments, nature and big questions
Creative expressionArt, pretend play and music
Who is this program for?
Preschool is for children from 3 years old until they start kindergarten. Three-year-olds focus on language, independence and play with friends; pre-K children build the skills kindergarten teachers look for, such as recognizing letters and numbers, writing their name and following two-step directions.
We believe children learn by doing rather than by watching and listening. They explore at their own pace in areas that interest them, and the process matters more than a perfect finished product.
What does a day look like?
Sample day. Times shift with each child's needs.
- ArrivalSign-in with a grown-up, then choice time at learning centers.
- Circle timeCalendar, weather, a story and the day's big question.
- Small groupsLetters, numbers, shapes and patterns in hands-on activities.
- Outdoor playGross motor games, nature walks and playground time.
- Lunch and restLunch with friends, then rest or quiet activities.
- AfternoonScience experiments, art projects, music and pretend play.
We are filming this video now. Until it is ready, the best way to see inside is an in-person tour: book one here.
Read the transcript
The transcript will be published here with the video, so parents who prefer to read get every word.
How do you keep children safe?
Ohio allows one teacher for every twelve 3-year-olds and one for every fourteen 4- and 5-year-olds. LSU's preschool rooms stay within these ratios at all times.
- Regular screenings and progress checks shared with parents.
- Fire, tornado and lockdown drills practiced as calm routines.
- Sign-in and sign-out every day by an authorized adult.
Who will teach my child?
Your child's lead teacher is a licensed instructor who knows every child in the room by name and keeps learning every year.
[Lead teacher name] has worked at LSU for [X] years. You will meet them on your tour.
Preschool and Pre-K questions parents ask
Will my child be ready for kindergarten?
Kindergarten readiness is the goal of LSU's preschool and pre-K years. Children practice early reading and math, following directions, taking turns and caring for their own things, and teachers assess progress regularly and share it with you.
Is LSU's preschool curriculum aligned with Ohio standards?
Yes. Ohio's Step Up To Quality program requires rated programs to use a curriculum aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards, and LSU's Gold rating means teachers plan lessons around each child's needs and track growth over time.
Do you offer full-day and part-day preschool?
LSU offers full-day preschool that fits a working day. Ask the director about part-week schedules if you need fewer days.
What are preschool class sizes?
Ohio allows one teacher for every twelve 3-year-olds and one for every fourteen 4- and 5-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. LSU's preschool rooms stay within these ratios at all times.
Related programs
Before-School Care
Opens early so you can get to work on time, with a calm start to the school day.
After-School Care
Snack, homework help and room to play until 6:30 p.m.
