Ida Mays, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Olde Orchard (Columbus City), Shady Lane (Columbus City, )Rosehill (Reynoldsburg), Kae Avenue (Whitehall), Beechwood (Whitehall), Etna Road (Whitehall)
Our center is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission.
Welcome to Mount Carmel KinderCare
Welcome to Mount Carmel KinderCare in Columbus, Ohio! We are situated near Broad Street and Interstate 270. Our amazing and highly-trained teachers work hard to provide an enriched learning experience for each child. We offer age-appropriate, fun activities in a print-rich environment, designed to foster early literacy and writing skills. We invite you to experience firsthand that everyone belongs in our circle — we love our families and meeting new friends!
Our classrooms are places to thrive!
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour!
Program Availability
Meet Ida Mays, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2022
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Administration, Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Favorite Children's Book: The Napping House
Meet Ida Mays! She is the Center Director at Mount Carmel KinderCare in Columbus, OH. Ida attended the National Labor College where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Administration, and the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. She joined KinderCare this year, and before that she was a teacher. Outside of work, Ida enjoys traveling, playing boardgames, and spending time with her family. Her favorite quote is, "Children don't always remember what you try to teach them; they always remember how you made them feel."
AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED
We’re so proud!
Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.
SCHOOL-READY
What Learning Looks Like
Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
Mount Carmel KinderCare Programs
Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.
Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)
Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)
This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.
Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)
This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!
Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)
When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.
Before- and After-School Programs (5–12 Years)
You can count on us to provide reliable care for your school-ager while you’re at work, with safe transportation from our center to your child’s school and back! Whether your child wants to start a drama club, build a volcano, or create a comic book, they will have a place to follow their dreams. Your child will start and end the day with a whole lot of fun!
School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)
Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)
KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.
Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)
Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!
Our Teachers
We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.
Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!
A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH
An Artist's Heart
"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.
We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.
Family Stories
Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!
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My experience at KinderCare Learning Center has been amazing; each staff has made me feel very welcome and comfortable. I know when I drop off my children they are in good hands. I feel that my children are safe and protected while at KinderCare Learning Center. KinderCare is all about fun and learning. I enjoy getting all of the different fun crafts and family involved activities that my children bring home daily.
I can honestly say that my children will be at KinderCare until they are of age to stay home. I consider KinderCare not only a learning center for my children but as family because of the love, caring and knowledge they show my children.”Danielle B. - KinderCare Parent
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I enrolled my daughter at the KinderCare facility located on the hospital campus here at Mount Carmel East. This was 21 years ago. My daughter loved it! She excelled at every program for her age group. When Kindergarten started, she was more than ready both academically and emotionally. KinderCare is not just babysitting your child while you are at work. They taught her to be social, to share with other kids and to respect each other. She learned the alphabet, to read books, and to create beautiful art work.
When my grandson was born the only day care my daughter wanted for him was KinderCare. She told me that her experiences have stayed with her all these years and she wanted that experience for him. When I pick my grandson up at the end of the day, it seems like he's gliding through life just as wonderful and easy as his mom did. I owe this to Kindercare. When I walk in and all the kids are gathered around their teacher, talking, sharing toys, reading, and having little group activities, I know what's down the road. He will be Kindergarten ready. You don't get that from a babysitter.”Diana G. - KinderCare Parent
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My daughter has been part of KinderCare for three years now. She has grown to love each of her teachers there. She’s now advanced to Pre-K in a short period of time. I’m so proud of her and I love all of her teachers there, you know who you are!!!!! The new director Ida Mays is amazing. KinderCare, thank you for being part of our lives.
”Joy R. - KinderCare Parent
Who Are KinderCare Families?
They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.
Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.
A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A
Home in Houston
Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.
Do you offer part-time schedules at Mount Carmel KinderCare?
Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.
How does naptime work at Mount Carmel KinderCare?
Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.
Do you support alternative diets?
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.