Our Locations:

Southside Lorain Center

Located near Route 57 and Route 2, our Southside Lorain Center offers exceptional learning opportunities, highlighted by earning the highest quality Gold Rating from the State of Ohio's "Step Up to Quality Program." It offers year-round programming for students 18 months to 14 years of age and a safe supportive environment for children. It features free preschool scholarships and offers transportation services for school-age children to and from local schools, making it a comprehensive choice for quality education.

4911 Grove Avenue, Lorain, OH 44055

(440) 557-4555

Our Southside Child Care Center hours of operation are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please click here to view the schedule of dates that all Horizon Education Centers are closed throughout the year.

View the Menu of the Month here.

Program Highlights

Our teachers develop language and literacy, as well as social, emotional and physical skills. They guide their students with various teaching methods based on recommendations from the State of Ohio, including:

State Standards
State Assessments
Individual Learning plans

Horizon Education Centers focuses on kindergarten readiness and school-age enrichment, and we're a part of the Ohio Healthy Programs, ensuring your children have healthy food options daily.

Each of our centers has a toddler playground area, preschool playground area and school-age playground area.

Programs Offered at This Center

Horizon prides itself on offering high-quality programming that supports children in their development.

Toddler Care

18-36 Months

Preschool

3 - 5 Years

Before/After

6 - 14 Years

Summer Camp

6 - 14 Years

Meet the Center Staff

Horizon is proud to employ highly experienced staff and teachers that help create a warm and inviting environment for your children.

Carrie Sokol

Center Director

EDUCATION: CDA in infants and toddlers. Working towards Bachelor’s degree in Education from Grand Canyon University.

ABOUT: Carrie's tenure with Horizon is entering its ninth year. She started as a teacher and business coordinator and is now a Center Director. She's always excited to help families and advocate for the children in her center. She says children are her passion and she loves the energy they bring each day.

Nisheyka Colon

Business Coordinator

EDUCATION Graduated from Lorain Community College with her Associate of Arts. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Business through Lorain County Community College.

ABOUT Nisheyka loves working with kids and helping them discover themselves. She enjoys coming to work and being able to see all the kids grow every day.

Angelica Salas “Ms. Jelly”

21st-century Site Coordinator

EDUCATION: CDA and currently enrolled at LCCC to obtain her Associate's Degree.

ABOUT: Ms. Jelly has worked for Horizon for the last four years. She goes the extra mile to ensure that the children in her care feel loved. She enjoys watching the children grow, expand their knowledge, and make memories along the way.

Shariah Pryor

Lead Toddler Teacher

EDUCATION Associate degree in Arts from Lorain County Community College; working towards CDA license in Early Childhood Education

ABOUT Ms. Shariah has been with Horizon since August 2016. Making a difference is her passion and experiencing the excitement of the children and the relationships she gains with them warms her heart and makes her job worthwhile.

Vanessa Berdiel

Head Start Lead Teacher

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies, 2 Associate’s degrees

ABOUT: Ms. Vanessa has been a dedicated childcare professional at Southside since 1998. With 27 of experience in early childhood education, she is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment for children to learn and grow. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys supporting her son in his sports activities.

Empreis Chaney

Lead Preschool Teacher (Little Learners)

EDUCATION: Working towards CDA

ABOUT: Empreis has been a dedicated childcare professional at Southside with 7 years of experience. Empreis has been working towards earning her CDA credential and has many years of professional development. She is trained in CPR and First Aid, Haggerty, ELA, and ASQ’s. She loves fostering creativity through arts, crafts, and music. Outside of work, Empreis enjoys being with family, shopping, and spending time with her beloved dog, Jaxx. She is committed to building strong relationships with children and their families, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

Amanda Teeters

Lead Shining Star SAC Teacher

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in Social work from Youngstown University

ABOUT: Amanda has been a proud employee at Southside for over two years. As a school-aged teacher, she enjoyed running clubs like Art, Crochet, and Theatre. She also enjoys watching her students grow, learn, and achieve new things. She is a mother of 3 lovely kids and is an avid nerd. Her favorite hobbies include spending time with her children, reading, gaming, art, and spending time outdoors.

Rachele Babics

Lead Toddler Teacher

EDUCATION: CDA

ABOUT: Ms. Rachele has been working at Southside for 4 years and has been the Lead toddler teacher for the last 3 years. She loves it when she can make the toddlers smile and enjoys watching them progress through their toddler years. Outside of work, Rachele enjoys playing cards.

Nicole Medina

Lead Marine SAC Teacher

EDUCATION: CDA

ABOUT: Nicole has been with Southside for 6 years. Before becoming an employee, she was a parent of Southside for many years. Nicole worked as our food specialist while obtaining her CDA. After receiving her CDA, she decided she was ready for a change and accepted the Lead teacher position. In her spare time, Nicole likes to watch movies and spend time with her kids.

Brandy Hardy

Lead Beta SAC Teacher

EDUCATION: Working towards CDA, SAC endorsement

ABOUT: Brandy Hardy has been a valued member of Horizon for two years. Her passion for education and love for working with children makes her an excellent fit for our center. Currently, she is pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to enhance her role as a lead teacher. Brandy’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. She leads both Botany and Garden Clubs, fostering a love for nature and hands-on learning among the children. She is a team player willing to help at any given time. Outside of work, she enjoys being with family and caring for her yard and plants.

From Our Horizon Parents:

"Horizon's after school program has helped my son improve his performance in spelling and math. The staff gives him individualized attention that helps him meet his goals. The program also lets him make new friends and explore new interests. He has developed an interest in science thanks to the program and its excellent staff."

"My daughter suffers from separation anxiety and ADHD and with the help of the awesome teachers, she has improved drastically. They help you reach the milestones you set for your child and help get them ready for the outside world. The teachers make your child feel so welcome, it's like her second family."

"Two of my children attend Triskett Station. The staff has gone above and beyond for them. My daughter really struggled this year and they showed her compassion and love beyond expectation. They've never used a 'One Size Fits All' approach, but instead tailored their approach to her needs."

Learn How Our Centers Are Different.

Horizon's center-based programs are highly rated by Step Up to Quality, with programs and activities that promote wellness and readiness.

How We Compare

Schedule a Tour at a Horizon location

Get a firsthand look at one of our centers, with the opportunity to meet your child's teacher as well as learn more about the curriculum.

Schedule a Tour

Contact Horizon to Learn More

Join the Horizon family and experience the benefits our programs can have on your child's learning and development at every age.

Learn How Our Centers Are Different.

Horizon's center-based programs are highly rated by Step Up to Quality, with programs and activities that promote wellness and readiness.

How We Compare

Schedule a Tour at a Horizon location

Get a firsthand look at one of our centers, with the opportunity to meet your child's teacher as well as learn more about the curriculum.

Schedule a Tour

Contact Horizon to Learn More

Join the Horizon family and experience the benefits our programs can have on your child's learning and development at every age.

Find A Location Near You!

We offer a variety of child care programs all day at our 21 locations. We also offer before-school, wrap-around and after-school programs for children 6-14 years at many schools in Western Cuyahoga/Lorain County, plus at our 10 Horizon Centers.

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Toddler Care
Preschool Care
School Age Before After Care
Summer Camp