Early Achievers Academy | The Malone Center

Malone Early Achievers Academy

The Malone Early Achievers Academy is a full-day high-quality local preschool program that serves children in the Malone area community.

The mission of the Malone Early Achievers Academy is to create opportunities and experiences by providing high-quality preschool enrichment programs and early education to low-income families. In our effort to close the income achievement gap, we are committed to ensuring our 3-5-year-old students are prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

We provide a developmentally appropriate environment for children using what is considered best practice based on the latest research in the field developed in partnership with the University of Nebraska. We plan our Preschool program activities for the children based on their interests and needs using documentation and observations of each child. Using these tools, we develop an individualized education plan; set goals, and conference with parents with the goal of having each child fully prepared for the demands of Kindergarten.

Enrollment

Open to children ages 3-5 years old.

Hours: Monday-Friday from 7:30PM-5:30PM.

Full and Half-Day Enrollment available.

Small class sizes.

Accept Private pay and Child Care Subsidies (Title XX).

Lincoln Little’s Tuition Assistance and Scholarships available as funding allows.

Contact the Director for Tuition Rates and Assistance Information.

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Who We Are & What We Do

We offer a child centered curriculum with an educational approach that focuses on the child’s needs, interests, abilities and how they learn through play and exploration.

Our highly qualified staff provide a nurturing environment that focuses on strong relationships.

Through social emotional learning, children have an opportunity to develop independence, social skills and an appreciation of diversity.

Families have access to a Family Engagement Specialist that provides resources to families.

Step 5 Program

Malone Early Achievers Academy has been recognized by Nebraska Step up to Quality for its commitment to quality care and education.

Step 5 is the highest rating and shows that our program goes beyond state licensing requirements to better serve the needs of young children.

Click here to learn more about Nebraska Step up to Quality.

The case for quality child care.

The type of child care you choose for your child can have a big impact on their future. Early learning builds the foundation for skills needed in school, work and life, with 90 percent of brain development occurring before age 5.

Children who receive quality early child care and education are more likely to:

Step Up Wheel Showing cycle of quality child care

Step Up to Quality helps families identify early childhood providers who demonstrate a commitment to quality care. Step Up to Quality programs go beyond what is required because they strive to do better for their children’s and families’ futures.

Every step counts.

Step Up to Quality is not a typical rating system — it’s a path. Whether a child care provider is at Step 1 or Step 5, they are making a statement: that they want to be the best they can be for the benefit of their children and families.

Programs are rated based on meeting quality standards, which are described in the next section.

Step 5 – Far exceeds quality standards
Step 4 – Exceeds quality standards
Step 3 – Meets quality standards
Step 2 – Approaching quality standards
Step 1 – Committed to quality improvement

What does quality look like?

Curriculum. Providers should utilize an evidence-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, aligned with the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and incorporates child nutrition and physical activity.

Learning environments. Whether in a family child care home, a child care center or a preschool, providers should adapt learning activities to meet the needs of individual children.

Teacher-child interactions. Teachers should actively engage children in everyday learning with effective teaching approaches that enhance each child’s learning and development.

Child outcomes. Early child care providers and educators should be knowledgeable of developmental milestones and regularly assess and communicate about children’s skills, strengths and needs.

Professional development and training. Programs should be staffed with knowledgeable, effective and professional staff who pursue lifelong learning.

Family engagement and partnerships. Providers and educators should maintain collaborative relationships with families to help support each child’s learning and development.

Program administration. Quality early child care providers carefully select and guide staff and substitutes. They implement sound business practices for managing income, expenses and facility maintenance.