Early Childhood Programs

Your child deserves the highest quality of care! At our centers, we use the HighScope Preschool Curriculum which is focused on child creativity, confidence, and independence. We take the learning process beyond traditional academic subjects and prepare children for later schooling and future success in life.

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Welcome to Paladin's Early Childhood Programs

Through our unique blended program model, Paladin’s Early Childhood Programs are able to provide the highest quality services in the most inclusive and accessible model of Early Childhood Education.

By leveraging the high-quality of Imagination Station’s NAEYC accredited program and the comprehensive services of the Head Start Program, we provide a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children and give them the strongest start on the path to college or a career.

Young children are still learning how to learn, and our preschool centers help them develop learning competencies like focus, self-regulation, memory, flexibility and motivation.

Education Counts Michiana - Imagination Station

Imagination Station Child Development Center

Imagination Station is the only NAEYC accredited facility in La Porte County. We offer the highest quality care to children aged 6-weeks to 5-years, in our state-of-the-art setting where positive relationships are the foundation for experience-based learning.

  • Accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Tuition assistance
  • Year-Round preschool for infants, toddlers, and 3-5 year old children
  • Summer Camp for K-4th grade children
Head Start Program

Head Start of LaPorte County

Head Start of LaPorte County offers comprehensive programs that promote school readiness of children between the ages of three and five from income-eligible families through education, health, social, and other services. Our headquarters can be found at the Niemann Elementary School in Michigan City.

  • Provided at no cost for eligible families
  • Accepts 3-5 year old children
  • Center-based learning options
  • Family advocacy and needs assessment
    • Training, workshops, goal setting
Head Start Pre-Enrollment
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Early Childhood Services Imagination Station

What Others Are Saying...

Chatice

"I love Imagination Station because the teachers taught my kids how to use their manners and how to be patient.  I felt like each teacher bonded with my children like we were family.  They helped me find out that my son needed speech therapy as well. Theresa, the Director, was also very helpful with getting my CDA.  For any questions I had, she was there for me."

Chatice Lemon

Parent
Sarah

"My management team and admin staff are very supportive to this new experience of mine.  I love the classroom I'm in.  The children make me so happy.  I'm eager to come to work every day."

Sarah Talkington

Teacher
Headshot

"Our boy started at 2 years old.  His father passed away and Imagination Station made us feel safe.  We would have never made it without them.  There was always great communication.  They didn't just take care of him, but they took care of the whole family.  They were our key for staying strong."

Paul Rafter

Guardian

Our Mission

In Paladin’s Early Childhood Programs, our mission, is to provide the highest quality Early childhood experiences for all children and to advocate for the importance of quality early childhood experiences.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is to regard the personal qualities of each child as gifts to be nurtured, shared, and appreciated. Each child is unique in his or her combination of strengths, weaknesses, interests, talents, needs, and styles. Each child’s individuality is appreciated and considered in the context of the children around him or her. The diversity inherent among families is recognized and respected.

We aim to provide the highest quality early childhood education while supporting families’ growth and ensuring the safety of all children in our care.

Early Childhood Services at Paladin

The HighScope Curriculum

Paladin, Inc.’s early childhood education programs both utilize the HighScope curriculum which features active learning at its core. It is play-based, child-centered, and grounded in research. In a HighScope classroom children are guided to explore, interact, and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play.

A unique feature of our programming is the emphasis on building self- awareness, self-esteem, creativity, and social problem-solving skills— tools all children need to grow and thrive.

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Our Locations

Imagination Station

Located in the heart of the Edgewood Neighborhood in Michigan City.

Head Start

Niemann School; Home of Head Start of LaPorte County

Head Start

Bethany Lutheran Church; Home of Head Start of LaPorte County

All Sites Are Equipped With

  • Closed circuit monitoring of every room
  • Secured entry system
  • Radio Communication System
  • One-touch emergency call buttons
  • Strict adherence to licensing, health, and fire regulations
  • ADA accessible and developmentally appropriate fenced-in playgrounds
  • Comprehensive staff training on safety drills, emergency procedures, and active supervision.

Ready to Help?

We need your support! As a non-profit agency, Paladin relies on volunteers and donor gifts to continue the work. For LaPorte County's children, Paladin will continue to provide the highest quality care with experiential learning experiences that get kids school ready. May we count on you today?

Yes, I Want to Donate!