Our Mission
To provide all families with an environment full of wonderful beginnings for your child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.
Our Staff
Our ability to deliver excellent care for the children entrusted to us is thanks to our team of passionate teachers and assistants.
Our staff is certified in first aid, CPR, communicable disease, and child abuse prevention, and keep up-to-date on trends and best practices through continuing education.
Get to know Ann’s Bright Beginnings team below!
Ann Miller
Administrator/Owner/Lead Teacher
“I love going to work every day! I love building trust and confidence in a child. It is a wonderful feeling!”
More About Ann
Ann is a Paulding native and has two children and six grandchildren. Early Childhood Education has been a primary focus of her life since 1990.
When she’s not poring over lesson plans, she can be found reading, camping, riding her golf cart around, and spending time with her beloved family.
Donita Brandenburg
Lead Teacher
“Ever since my first babysitting job at 13, I knew I was meant to work with children. They enrich my life so much.”
More About Donita
Donita is from Antwerp and has been happily married since 1986. She and her husband have three daughters and seven grandchildren.
She’s been caring for children since 1986 – beginning with her own in-home daycare.
When she’s not camping or crafting, she’ll be hard to find because she LOVES going on spontaneous day trips with her family.
Deanna Wann
Assistant Teacher
“It’s a lot of fun learning about each child’s unique personality, and watching them grow and learn.”
More About Deanna
Deanna lives between Antwerp and Paulding and has been married for over 25 years. They have one (nearly) grown daughter.
She’s held many roles as a volunteer with the Antwerp school since 2002. When she’s not volunteering, she can be found enjoying a good romance novel.
Brittany Walters
Assistant Teacher
“I love learning about each child’s personality and watching them learn new skills.”
More About Brittany
Brittany lives in Sherwood and when she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
JoAnne Arnold
Substitute Teacher
“I love teaching and being with young children – helping them to grow into their own unique personalities.”
More About JoAnne
JoAnne lives in Paulding and has been married for 42 years. She and her husband have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
After receiving her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development, Mrs. Arnold then started teaching and caring for children through private Christian schools and in her own home—now spanning a career of over 30 years.
When she is not teaching or spending time with family you can find JoAnne quilting, reading, taking walks with her husband or off traveling.
Cheri Collins
Substitute Teacher
“I just love kids – they’re trusting, anxious to learn, and just plain FUN! I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
More About Cheri
Cheri lives in Defiance, and she and her husband have one daughter, and three grandchildren.
“Mrs. Collins” has been at Ann’s Bright Beginnings since 2009, but has been teaching since 1989 when she founded St. John’s Christian Preschool in Archbold, Ohio.
When she’s not working in her flowerbeds, she can be found watching Defiance High School sports, such as girls softball or volleyball, and boys basketball.
We’d love to meet you, give you a tour, and learn about your families’ individual needs.
F.A.Qs
What are your rates?
Please see our Daycare Rates, Pre-School Rates, and Pre-K Rates.
Will I be charged if my child is absent?
Yes, Pre-School/Pre-K tuition is due monthly regardless of absence for any reason.
Please see our Parent Handbook for more details.
Do you offer a multiple child discount?
No, not at this time.
Do I have to pay for Preschool and Daycare?
No, Pre-School fees are included in our daycare rates.
Do you accept credit cards?
No, sorry, we only accept cash, money orders, or checks at this time.
Do you provide meals/snacks?
No, children must bring a packed lunch (plus breakfast, if applicable) including ice pack.
Children attending daycare are also asked to provide and share nutritious snacks and milk with the group periodically throughout the year.
Please see our Parent Handbook for more details.
Can someone other than me pick-up my child?
Yes! If you wish for your child to be released to a person other than yourself, you must notify a staff member.
Please note: we will only release children to persons on the release form included in the admission packet.
Please see our Parent Handbook for more details.
What if I’m late picking up my child?
If circumstances beyond your control are realized, delaying pick-up, a phone call is requested.
A late charge of $2.00 for every five minutes will be charged for any Pre-School/Pre-K child not picked up promptly at dismissal time.
Any child not picked up by 6:00 P.M. will be charged $1.00 per minute. There will be a $10.00 minimum charge. This policy is strictly enforced.
Please see our Parent Handbook for more details.
Do you provide transportation for children to/from school?
Our Staff walks children to school in the morning and back to the Center at 3:00 P.M. (rain or shine).
Is preschool delayed/cancelled for inclement weather?
Yes, however daycare is still open!
We follow the Paulding Exempted Village Schools (PEVS) calendar, except as noted in monthly newsletters.
In the event of a 2-Hour Delay, Pre-School/Pre-K will be 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
In the event of a 3-Hour Delay, Pre-School/Pre-K will be 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Please see our Parent Handbook for more details.
Are you closed on holidays?
Pre-School and Daycare is closed on:
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, and other holidays are assessed according to census.
What if my child becomes sick during Preschool/Pre-K day?
If a child is not feeling well and/or is feverish, we will have the child rest away from the other children and telephone parents to take the child home.
Please see our Parent Handbook for more details.
Have more questions?
If you’d like to have a more lengthy conversation,
please schedule an appointment with Ann Miller, Administrator,
Monday – Friday, 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
What Parents are Saying
Contact Us
We'd love to meet you, give you a tour, and learn about your families' individual needs.
Location & Hours
211 Emerald Rd.
Paulding, Ohio 45879
M - F: 6am - 6pm