Welcome to ULA
Universal Learning Academy (ULA) provides a “Home Away From Home Learning Environment” managed by the same Director/Owner since February 1999. Our program is licensed through Bright from the Start Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, and the Quality Rated Program in Georgia.
At ULA, we believe in promoting healthy eating habits by providing well balanced nutritional meals and snacks daily.
The Creative Curriculum is used with our infants and toddlers and All About Preschoolers Curriculum with our three and four year old students. Assessments/parent conferences are held twice a year to ensure the growth and development of every child in our care so that No Child Is Left Behind.
Each lead teacher and director has their credentials in Early Childhood Education and receives a minimum of 24 hours of training per year. Our program provides monitored classrooms, an open door policy for parents reassurance, quarterly parent and community workshops, parent volunteer program, anactive Parent Advisory Board, and much more to meet the families needs.
Meet the Director
Ms. Yiet Knight was born on November 29, 1969 and raised in Milledgeville, Georgia by her parents the late Mr. Al D. Johnson, who was the only African American owned cab company and Mrs. Mattie Johnson who served 34 years as a Forensic Service Technician with the State of Georgia whom Ms. Knight cares for at the present time. Ms. Knight graduated June 1987 from Baldwin High School continuing at Augusta Technical College studying Secretarial Studies and graduating October 1988. Ms. Yiet Knight is now a successful business owner of Universal Child Care and Learning Center LLC & Universal Learning Academy LLC, providing quality care to young children and the families in the CSRA.
She is a mother to one (1) adult daughter, two (2) adult sons, a Godmother of four (4), and a Nana of two (2). Ms. Knight is the youngest of two (2) sisters and one (1) brother, which have given her nieces and nephews. Ms. Knight enjoys spending time with her family, her staff, going on vacations, and cooking. She is continually active in her church, Transforming Lives Bible Church, as she leads the children ministry along with being an active member in the community as well.
Ms. Knight served in several positions at the Richmond County Dept. of Family & Children Services from Oct. 1988-Jan. 1998. She has always had a passion for serving people and caring for children, after resigning from her employment in Jan. 1998, because she had a dream of opening her own child care center she saw it as the perfect opportunity to open her very own in home child care center, Universal Family Daycare. Ms. Knight outgrew her in home and begin to seek a new location for her growing center. Universal Child Care and Learning Center was birthed February 1999 and has grown tremendously. Ms. Knight expanded UCCLC to a second location in March 2019. Ms. Knight decided to start rebranding her business and opened Universal Learning Academy LLC in July 2019. ULA has since added on two other locations with one open and one is still pending approval. Ms. Knight is also the Peer Support Network Ambassador for Richmond County monitored through Bright from the Start Georgia Early Care and Learning, a member of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, member of the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children, 2015 Participant of SBA Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, UCCLC & ULA are Three (3) Star Quality Rated Programs through BFTS in Richmond County.
Ms. Yiet Knight is truly a rising businesswoman in the Augusta Area who owes all the Glory to God.
Our Goals
As of 2020, the overall goal of the center is to maintain a Three (3) Star Level through Bright from the Start Quality Rated Program, maintain our Georgia Lottery Pre-K Program, and begin the self-study for a National Accreditation with NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) . With these additional accolades, it will assist our children in the early years of their childhood. We have discovered that our children develop their skills best through interactive play. Because we believe so strongly in this approach towards the learning environment of the children, we strive to provide a learning environment that allows children to explore, be creative, and develop character as they also become more independent during small group activities. We encourage diversity and practice family-style dining which will allow the children to develop socially and become more aware of the different cultures that surround them. As we allow them to explore and utilize their creativity, we as caregivers witness both positive psychological and positive sociological behaviors within the children throughout the center as a whole. We understand that each child is unique and has their own individual personality; therefore, we also promote self-awareness, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-help, and self-motivation. Caring for children requires unity and team cooperation so we agree with the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our overall concern is the welfare of our children, whether they are in our care or at home with family and friends. We also strive to develop healthy, well trusting, and loving relationships amongst our caregivers and the families of our children. Universal Learning Academy (ULA) is dedicated and determined to help your child grow and learn while in their early stages of childhood. “Your child is our number one priority.”
To receive an Accreditation with Quality through the Georgia Accredited Commission, Inc. for our Georgia Pre K Class and continue to build our early childhood educational foundation that will assist and prepare our children for the next educational level to establish a Private School for grades K-5.
Our Mission
To continue to develop a higher level of learning in Early Childhood Education.
Our Vision
To maintain a professional level in Early Childhood Education to the children, families, and community in which we serve. Provide the necessary resources to our families through our resource center and quarterly parent cafés to assist with the wellbeing and meeting the needs of the entire family.
Certifications
Bright Licensed
ULA is licensed by Bright from the Start Georgia Early Learning.
3-time 3 Star Quality Rated Program
ULA is a 3-time 3 Star Quality Rated Program for Georgia through Bright From The Start Georgia Early Care and Learning.
Nationally Accredited NECPA
ULA has been nationally accredited through the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) with the renewal process lapsing at Director’s discretion to maintain the Georgia Pre K Class.
Programs
Infant & Toddler Care
Our infants and toddlers curriculum focuses on recognizing the importance of social-emotional development. Creating environments that support and encourage exploration while taking advantage of every opportunity to build a foundation for lifelong learning.
Preschool Program
Our AAP curriculum is engaging and challenging but not frustrating, with plenty of learning through enriched play with teachers who use many approaches to guide and speed their learning which will have your child prepared and ready for primary school.
