Schools

Lutheran Child Care Center in Lithia Receives Accreditation

Open Arms Early Childhood Center was accredited following a year-long process.

Open Arms Early Childhood Center, a ministry of Lamb of God Lutheran Church and the only faith-based child-care center in the FishHawk area, has been awarded National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

NLSA recognizes Lutheran schools that meet the highest standards of education and engage in continuous improvement.

“After undergoing the year-long accreditation process, which included a rigorous self-study report and an on-site assessment, the evaluation team unanimously and enthusiastically recommended NLSA accreditation of our program,” said the Rev. Mark Wood, pastor of Lamb of God Lutheran Church.

Wood added that receiving this national and well-respected accreditation further demonstrates the center’s dedication to providing the best care and education available in a loving and safe environment where children can grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

“Choosing to put ourselves under the scrutiny of the accreditation process was the best way we could ensure we are being good stewards of the children with whom we are entrusted,” said Aimee Ballans, chairwoman of Lamb of God's Board for Early Childhood Ministry. “And as a parent of two children who attend the center, achieving accreditation confirms that I've chosen the best care for my kids when I can't be with them."

Trudy Hutchinson, director of Open Arms Early Childhood Center, appreciated the opportunity to see the facility through the perspective of others during the evaluation team’s on-site visits.

"It was a blessing to be able to receive immediate, positive feedback regarding our center,” said Hutchinson. “Especially when they remarked that they could see Jesus in every classroom and throughout the building."

Lamb of God’s Open Arms Early Childhood Center provides affordable and quality child care to children starting at ages 6 weeks in a 16,425-square foot state-of-the-art facility that features secured access to building and classrooms, video monitoring and multiple outdoor play areas.

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The center is an approved Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) provider, and also offers before- and after-school care for students at Bevis, FishHawk Creek, Pinecrest and Stowers elementary schools.

Located at 10540 Browning Rd. in Lithia, the center is open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, or to schedule a tour of the facility, contact (813) 653-2354 or visit www.OpenArmsLithia.org.

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