Daycare & Preschool in
Dublin, OH
Welcoming all
Lightbridge Academy of Dublin, OH is now open!
We are actively enrolling for our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-K programs and would love to welcome you to tour our new facility. As The Solution for Working FamiliesĀ®, we are more than a daycare; we are here to support you as an extension of your family and a true partner in your child's early education and development. We look forward to meeting you and your precious little one!
A Message From Us
Meet Allison & Ben Kraft
Three years ago, we began a journey that many parents can relate to, searching for a way to build a life that allowed us to be fully present for our daughters while still pursuing meaningful, impactful work. Like so many families, we know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance career responsibilities with the desire to show up for every recital, game, and milestone. That tension is what inspired us to explore creating something of our own.
When we discovered Lightbridge Academy, it immediately felt different.
Of course, safety and a strong educational foundation were non-negotiable for us. But what truly set Lightbridge apart was something deeper, their genuine understanding of what todayās families need. Their belief that it takes a community to raise a child resonated with us on a personal level. We werenāt just looking for a business, we were looking for a way to support families like ours.
Childcare isnāt one-size-fits-all. It requires flexibility, compassion, and a true partnership with parents. What we found in Lightbridge Academy was a model that doesnāt just talk about these values, it lives them every day.
We visited multiple Lightbridge locations across the country and consistently saw the same thing: exceptional care, thoughtful programming, and teams that truly support the families they serve. That consistency gave us the confidence to bring this experience home to our own community.
Today, we are proud to be opening Lightbridge Academy locations in Dublin and Powell. Our mission is simple: to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children can thrive, and where parents feel supported, understood, and confident in their childcare choice.
This is more than a business for us. Itās personal.
We are building a place we would trust with our own children, because we do. And we canāt wait to welcome your family into ours.
š Meet Our Director, Miss Lani! š
Hello, Dublin! My name is Lani Helms, and I am honored to be the Center Director at Lightbridge Academy of Dublin. Early childhood education has always been my calling, and Iāve had the privilege of working in nearly every role within a childcare center from classroom teaching to administration! Bringing my expertise in childcare, I hold a Child Development Associate Credential and a National Administrator Credential from National Louis University. My commitment to children and families is deeply personal; after losing my firstborn baby girl in 2016, I gained a profound understanding of the trust it takes to leave a child in someone elseās care. Thatās why I lead with high standards rooted in safety, love, trust, and excellence, while also fostering a joyful and inspiring environment for both staff and children. This is also a huge part of why Lightbridge Academy means so much to me, because of our Circle of Care culture!
Outside of work, Iām a proud wife and mommy to two little boys, ages 2 and 5, who will be right alongside me at the academy! Born and raised in Ohio (Go Bucks!), I love connecting with the community, shopping, and continuing to learn new things. Fun fact: I was once a bridal makeup artist and have a bunny who might just make an appearance at the center! š
Learn More!
From the first hello, to the last goodbye, we want you and your child to feel safe, nurtured and excited to learn!
Please fill out the information to the right and we will be in touch.
CONTACT INFORMATION
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Upcoming Events
Events in May 2026
May 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
May 3, 2026
May 3, 2026
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May 8, 2026
Hereās a classic, rich, and creamy version you can make at home:
š Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the coconut filling:
- 2 Ā½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- ā cup sugar
- Ā¼ cup cornstarch
- Ā¼ tsp salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 Ā½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the whipped topping:
- 1 Ā½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Toasted coconut (for garnish)
š©āš³ Instructions
1. Make the filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in milk and coconut milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
2. Temper the eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks.
- Slowly add a bit of the hot mixture into the yolks while whisking (prevents scrambling).
- Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Cook until thick
- Continue cooking for 2ā3 minutes until thick and custard-like.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and shredded coconut.
4. Fill and chill
- Pour filling into the baked crust.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
5. Make whipped cream
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Assemble
- Spread whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
š„ Tips for best results
- Toast coconut in a dry pan until golden for extra flavor.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Chill thoroughlyāthis pie needs time to set properly.
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May 8, 2026
May 9, 2026
May 9, 2026
May 10, 2026
May 10, 2026
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
š Classic Apple Pie (flaky, buttery, and perfectly spiced)
š Ingredients
For the crust (or use store-bought):
- 2 Ā½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 6ā8 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 6ā7 apples (a mix like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp works great)
- Ā¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Ā¼ tsp nutmeg
- Ā¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter (for dotting)
For finishing:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
š©āš³ Instructions
1. Make the crust
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually until dough comes together.
- Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Prep the filling
- Peel, core, and slice apples (about Ā¼-inch thick).
- Toss with sugar, flour, spices, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Roll out dough
- Roll one disk and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add apple filling and dot with butter.
4. Top crust
- Roll out second disk and place over pie (or make a lattice).
- Trim, seal, and crimp edges.
- Cut slits for steam if using a full top.
5. Egg wash
- Beat egg with milk and brush over crust.
- Sprinkle sugar on top if desired.
6. Bake
- Bake at 400Ā°F (205Ā°C) for 20 minutes.
- Reduce to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) and bake another 30ā40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool
- Let cool at least 2 hours so the filling sets.
š„ Tips
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for better flavor.
- If edges brown too fast, cover with foil.
- Place pie on a baking sheet to catch drips.
May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
May 16, 2026
May 16, 2026
May 17, 2026
May 17, 2026
š Classic Cherry Cobbler (warm, jammy, and buttery)
š Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- Ā¾ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Ā½ tsp vanilla extract
- Ā¼ tsp almond extract (optional, but great with cherries)
- Pinch of salt
For the cobbler topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Ā¼ cup sugar
- 1 Ā½ tsp baking powder
- Ā¼ tsp salt
- Ā½ cup milk
- Ā¼ cup (Ā½ stick) melted butter
š©āš³ Instructions
1. Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, almond extract, and salt.
- Pour into a greased 9Ć9-inch baking dish.
2. Make the topping
- In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (donāt overmix).
3. Assemble
- Spoon the batter evenly over the cherry filling (it doesnāt need to fully cover).
4. Bake
- Bake at 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) for 35ā45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
5. Cool slightly
- Let it rest 10ā15 minutes before serving so the filling thickens.
š¦ Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
- Or with whipped cream for a lighter option
š„ Tips
- Frozen cherries work perfectlyāno need to thaw first.
- If using very tart cherries, add a bit more sugar.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a nice crunch.
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
š Classic Strawberry Shortcake (light, fresh, and buttery)
š Ingredients
For the strawberries:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Ā¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the shortcakes (biscuits):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Ā¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Ā½ tsp salt
- Ā½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed
- ā cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
š©āš³ Instructions
1. Prep the strawberries
- Toss sliced strawberries with sugar (and vanilla if using).
- Let sit for at least 20ā30 minutes to release juices.
2. Make the shortcakes
- Preheat oven to 425Ā°F (220Ā°C).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Stir in milk/cream and vanilla until just combined.
- Drop or shape into 6 biscuits on a baking sheet.
- Bake 12ā15 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
3. Whip the cream
- Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Assemble
- Slice shortcakes in half.
- Spoon strawberries and juices over the bottom half.
- Add whipped cream, then top with the other half.
- Add more berries and cream on top if you like.
š„ Tips
- Use cold butter for flakier biscuits.
- Donāt overmix the doughākeeps shortcakes tender.
- Let strawberries sit long enough to get syrupy (this is key).
May 22, 2026
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May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
š« Blueberry Cheesecake (creamy, rich, and bakery-style)
š Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 Ā½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- Ā¼ cup sugar
- Ā½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- Ā¾ cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, helps stability)
For the blueberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ā cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
š©āš³ Instructions
1. Make the crust
- Preheat oven to 325Ā°F (165Ā°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake 8ā10 minutes, then let cool.
2. Prepare the filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour (if using).
- Do not overmixākeeps texture smooth.
3. Bake (water bath recommended)
- Pour filling over crust.
- Place pan in a larger pan with hot water (water bath).
- Bake 55ā70 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.
4. Cool slowly
- Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Make blueberry topping
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice.
- Mix cornstarch with water, add to pan.
- Cook until thick and glossy, then cool.
6. Assemble
- Spoon blueberry topping over chilled cheesecake before serving.
š„ Tips
- Room temperature ingredients = smoother cheesecake.
- Water bath prevents cracking.
- Donāt rush chillingāit sets the texture.
May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
May 31, 2026
May 31, 2026
Our Next Event
- May 7, 2026 – National Childrenās Mental Health Awareness Day
- May 8, 2026 – National Coconut Cream Pie Day
- 6:30 am – 8:30 am, May 8, 2026 – Muffins with Mom
- May 9, 2026 – National Dog Mom Day
- May 10, 2026 – Mother's Day
Available Programs
AT LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY IN Dublin, OH
INFANT
TODDLER
PRESCHOOL
PRE-K
KINDERGARTEN
SUMMER CAMP
BACK-UP CARE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I enroll my child in Lightbridge Academy at any time?
Yes. Enrollment at all Lightbridge Academy locations is ongoing as long as space is available.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of days per week my child can attend Lightbridge Academy?
All Lightbridge Academy locations are open Monday through Friday. Most programs are available from 2 to 5 days per week. Back-up care is available on a daily and space available basis.
