Welcome To Little Lights Academy!
As a non-profit early childhood center and a ministry of Ridgeland Church, we believe every child is unique, full of potential, and a special gift from God. We foster a warm and welcoming environment where children feel loved, respected, and safe to explore and learn.
Our dedicated team of educators provides high-quality programs that nurture each child's intellectual, social, and emotional development. We offer a variety of activities and play-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and encourage exploration from an early age.
While we have a large enough team to ensure quality and expertise, we focus on providing personalized attention to each child. This allows us to build strong relationships with both children and their families, creating a place where you and your family can find belonging.
About Little Lights Academy
We believe that children develop the ability to be self-disciplined by positive guidance. At Little Lights Academy, our goal is to help the child become self-directed, happy, and able to make decisions.
- Children are individuals who need understanding and individual attention from warm and caring adults.
- Children need a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
- Children need positive reinforcement of desirable behavior.
- Children learn best when desired behavior is modeled by the adults.
- Children need to learn to make good choices and accept the consequences for poor choices.
Every child is a unique design by God. Therefore, curriculum and teaching methods must “match” the way the child learns. Teaching to learning styles and intelligences is crucial.
Meet Our Staff
Jennifer Gaskin
Little Lights Academy Director
Macy Richey
Executive Assistant
Certified Teachers
Little Lights Academy hires quality individuals who first love God and children, and in addition, maintain the professionalism required for dynamic, creative, 21st century teaching of young children. To be employed by Little Lights Academy, one must commit to a daily routine of planning, creativity, and high energy that includes all that brain-based education requires. In addition, one must continue learning through highly recognized professional development classes and seminars, and must exhibit, on a daily basis, a willingness to perform as a superior teacher. Little Lights Academy is a ministry of the Ridgeland Church and has served the Oak Lawn and surrounding neighborhoods since 1965.
Assistants
Teacher Assistants at Little Lights Academy are individuals who are working on a degree in Education, Nursing, or a similar service. Teacher Assistants may not have a degree in Early Childhood Education, but they continue to work on their education at local community colleges or universities. Teacher Assistants may also be working on their Early Childhood Credentials while serving in the classroom.
Questions every parent should ask
Little Lights Academy offers childcare from 7am-6pm. Our office is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-5pm. Throughout the day, we communicate updates and answer questions through the Brightwheel app.
At LLA, we use a hands on approach to learning. We employ problem-solving or project based learning where students learn to master standards and the child is allowed to continue to learn at their own pace.
At LLA, we use individualized learning experiences through structured curriculum that exceeds National Standards. Each student will be taught math, reading, social development, and drama, as well as other subjects.
LLA is a secure facility equipped with comprehensive camera monitoring and controlled electronic access. To enhance safety, cameras are installed in the rooms, allowing for real-time monitoring as needed. We maintain compliance with all required inspections, are safeguarded by continuous fire alarm monitoring, and work closely with local authorities. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and education of your children while they are in our care.
Although our students will always be the primary focus, LLA serves the entire family. Consideration is given to family needs, and we strive to create a sense of belonging in our community. We hold family-focused events throughout the year and have a strong desire to help your family find belonging in everything we do.
At LLA, we believe that parents should be part of their child’s learning. Parent newsletters and daily discussion is important in the early childhood years. We encourage parent engagement with their child’s teacher to create a collaborative approach to the child’s development.
At Little Lights Academy, we follow the state mandated teacher/child ratios.
Infants: 1 teacher to 4 students
Toddlers: 1 teacher to 5 students
2s and 3s: 1 teacher to 8 students
Preschool: 1 teacher to 10 students