Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Columbus, OH
Hugs-n-Hearts ELC has been a family-operated child care provider since 1994, founded on a passion for early childhood education. Our owner, with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and over 35 years of experience, leads a dedicated team of professionals committed to nurturing children's growth. We specialize in full-day educational programs for working families, serving infants through school-age children across three Columbus-area locations. Our staff combines decades of expertise with personalized attention, ensuring each child reaches their full potential. As one of Polaris' first businesses, we've built lasting relationships with families and the community.Our administrative team oversees compliance, professional development, and family support to maintain high standards of care. Community involvement remains central to our mission, with decades of philanthropy and partnerships supporting local initiatives. We pride ourselves on transparency, ethical practices, and creating a welcoming environment where families feel at home. With 30 years of experience, we continue evolving to meet modern families' needs while maintaining our founding values. Our three-generation family team ensures continuity and deep institutional knowledge that benefits every child in our care.
Services
Early Childhood Education
After-School Programs
Summer Camp
Parent Resources
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 30 years with generational child care expertise
- Staff includes degreed early childhood education professionals
- Active community partner with decades of local philanthropy
- Proven track record serving over 4,500 families
- Comprehensive programs from infant care through school-age support
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our educational programs serve children aged 18 months through pre-kindergarten with curriculum focused on developmental milestones. Certified teachers create engaging learning environments that foster social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Daily activities combine structured learning with creative play to prepare children for future academic success.
After-School Programs
We provide wrap-around care for school-age children with transportation from local schools. Our programs include homework support, enrichment activities, and supervised play. Flexible scheduling accommodates parents' needs while ensuring children's safety and continued learning beyond regular school hours.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp offers structured activities for children aged 5-12 with weekly themes and outdoor adventures. Certified staff lead educational games, arts and crafts, and physical activities that prevent summer learning loss. The program maintains small group ratios for personalized attention and safety.
Parent Resources
We provide comprehensive resources to support family engagement in children's development. Services include parenting workshops, developmental guidance, and connections to community resources. Our team assists with navigating educational transitions and addressing special needs through individualized support plans.
Community Outreach
Hugs-n-Hearts actively participates in local initiatives through fundraising and volunteer programs. We partner with schools, non-profits, and civic organizations to support child welfare and education. Annual activities include coat drives, charity events, and scholarship programs for families in need.
People
Pam O'Brien
Owner/Director
Founder with 30 years of early childhood education experience, holding a Bachelor's degree in the field. Leads daily operations across all locations while mentoring staff and maintaining educational standards.
Amanda
Administrator
Administrative leader since 1998, managing staff scheduling and family enrollment. Coordinates teacher support systems and ensures compliance across multiple locations while maintaining community partnerships.
Shelley Russell
Administrator
Child care professional with 30 years of experience, serving as building administrator. Focuses on classroom management, teacher development, and creating nurturing environments for children's growth and learning.
Jessica
Administrator
Health and compliance specialist since 1997, managing medication protocols and special needs accommodations. Provides professional development for staff while ensuring regulatory compliance across all facilities.
Tim
Business Manager
Business operations leader with 30 years of experience, overseeing accounting, transportation, and facility maintenance. Manages financial systems and supports administrative functions to ensure organizational efficiency.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 18 months through school age at our three Columbus-area locations.
What are your operating hours?
Our centers operate Monday-Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with closed weekends and holidays.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide structured summer camp programs with educational activities and field trips.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines play-based learning with developmental milestones, led by certified educators.
Are meals provided?
We offer nutritious snacks and meals following USDA dietary guidelines for child care programs.
How can parents get involved?
We encourage family participation through volunteer opportunities, community events, and regular communication channels.
