The academy opened Sept. 20, and the new owners celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 3.
“It went great, and we had a good turnout,” said Stabio, noting that several city officials attended. “The city was great to work with, and I truly hope that relationships with them grow. They really helped us make this happen.”
Retired Dayton Public Schools Principal Patti Daggett is the director of Youthland Academy, which employs seven other teachers.
Stabio said 30 children are enrolled. The school has the capacity to serve 120 children, ages 6 months to 12.
“I felt a strong need to provide quality day care for children in the area,” she said. “We looked at different places and thought there was a need for one in this area.”
What Stabio and her partners are most proud about is the educational aspect of the academy.
“It’s more than just a day-care program. It’s set up for a curriculum-based program,” she said. “Kids are not coming here and being baby-sat. They’re being taught. It’s an excellent program.”
Also important, she said, is that Youthland Academy is based in Cincinnati, with locations in Kentucky and Florida.
“That makes a big difference to us and the parents,” she said. “You can see it’s making a difference, even in a month. It’s neat to see the kids and what they’ve accomplished. It’s resonating.”
Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost for full-time care is $185 for infants, $165 for toddlers, $145 for preschoolers and $90 for school-age children.
The academy provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. For information, call (937) 859-KIDS.
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