FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What ages & programs do you serve?
We offer programs for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age. Starting with enrollment in Kindergarten, EGELA provides transportation to local schools.
Where are your locations?
Blacklick: 7297 Blacklick Ridge Blvd, Blacklick, OH 43004
What are the hours of operation?
6:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. EastGate is closed two days per year for staff training and development, additional closures are as follows, included but not limited to:
New Years Day
Christmas Day
Thanksgiving Day
Black Friday
Memorial Day
Labor Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Easter (Observed Monday)
Are meals included?
Yes! 3 meals daily are provided on-site daily, ensuring that children stay well-nourished throughout the day.
Are you licensed and rated?
All locations are Licensed Child Care Centers (e.g., Blacklick license #410422). You can also check your Step Up To Quality star rating via Ohio’s childcare search tool.
What curriculum or learning approach do you use?
EastGate philosophy focuses on social-emotional growth and competence, language, and self-regulation. We are NOT preparing kids for Ivy League here, we are encouraging them to love themselves, be good friends, trust their own voice and advocate for themselves. We are working on self-love, and confidence, we are encouraging curiosity, acceptance, tolerance for the world around them.
Daily schedules are consistent and age appropriate, opportunities to learn are all around and built in such as math and literacy concepts: Things like colors, shapes and months are presented daily and observed in multiple aspects of the days plan.
How much is tuition?
View our tuition pricing here. Tuition varies by age group, schedule, and location. Financial assistance may be available through state subsidies and vouchers. Please contact us directly or use Ohio’s Child Care Cost Calculator for guidance.
Do you offer financial aid?
Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is responsible for licensing Early Childhood programs and has programs that may help ease financial hardships.
How do I apply for Enrollment? Schedule a tour?
Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is responsible for licensing Early Childhood programs and has programs that may help ease financial hardships.
Email – chelsey@eastgateela.com
Phone – 614-304-1025, call or text!
Online - Fill out the form on our Contact page HERE
What makes EastGate different?
Our families appreciate that tuition is affordable, staffed by teachers and support staff who have a genuine calling to make a difference and do their best, and our grounded intentional daily schedules.
How can I leave feedback or file a complaint?
Surveys are available in our lobby, as well as suggestion areas. These can be filled in and left anonymously in the same spaces, or in an Administrator’s office space. Hours for most staff are posted in inconspicuous spaces and planned absences/vacations are sent out in newsletters monthly for your convenience in coordinating availability when you request a meeting or conversation. Email is always a good way also so that you can organize your thoughts!
Do you offer part time? Or flex schedule?
Absolutely! We do our best to accommodate families with part time or even hourly needs. Availability will vary by age group and location, and a minimum period of 5 business days is strongly encouraged to reserve space.
HOURLY PRICING
First child – $15.00 per hour
1st Sibling – $12.00 per hour
Additional Siblings – $8.00 per hour
For full time and part time rates, please see the tuition page. The benefit to this is that you have a set schedule for you and your family, no surprises, and you don’t have to be concerned with calling every time to request availability. Finally, both preschool and pre-k have a 2-day part time option available from 9am–11am.
What is the Teacher/Child ratio?
Infants are 1/5 or 1/6
Toddlers are 1/7 or 1/8
Preschool is 1/8 or 1/12
Prek is 1/12 or 1/14
School aged classrooms can be 1/14 or 1/18
What Security measures are in place?
Secure entry systems with keypad entry
Security cameras inside and outside WITH audio
ID verification
All staff participate in drills monthly, and certified in First Aid/CPR
FBI and BCII Background checks
All staff have ID badges for easy identification, and carry Walkie-Talkies for immediate communication building wide
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain an open and unfettered daily communication through:
Face-to-Face updates at pick up and drop off
Written notes and/or daily reports for infants and toddlers
Emailed newsletters and frequent updates from administrators
Daily photos of activities in classrooms
Weekly supplies updates and requests
Digital messaging through classroom app
Weekly and bi-weekly lesson plans with occasional donations requests
Are there enrichment activities?
Enrichment opportunities are an integrated part of the calendar and not considered “extras”.
Our schools host family breakfasts and afternoon teas, parent/teacher conferences, and pre-k graduations. You can also find art shows, parents’ night out, and International night.
We celebrate our military families in April, and involve families in teacher appreciation weeks and toddler field trips.
Additionally, you can find:
Music and Movement
Spanish and ASL
Early STEM experiences
Storytelling and literacy games
Guest visitors or special theme days