Little Miami Early Childhood Center earns Ohio PBIS gold; district honors student character winners

The Little Miami Early Childhood Center (ECC) was awarded the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s PBIS gold-level recognition, the district announced at its Nov. 18 board meeting. Heather Milligan explained that the PBIS framework is a three-tier, data-driven system of positive behavioral interventions and supports and that the ECC met the state’s criteria across all tiers.

"Our early childhood center received the gold distinction for last year, which is the highest honor that the state has," Milligan said during the meeting, describing the district’s Tier 1–3 approaches and naming building leaders who supported implementation, including principal Lindsey Eckstein and assistant principal Patrick Clark. Milligan said the district uses school counselors, PACS coaches and Board Certified Behavior Analysts to support students who need more intensive interventions.

The board also presented monthly 'Panther character' awards to five students — Lena Dalton, Nolan Jackson, Emerson Bridal, Reece Dubinsky and Skylar/Skyler Hawk — and read short teacher nominations praising each student's trustworthiness and effort.

The district noted that, for perspective, 604 schools and districts received PBIS recognition in the 2023–24 school year but only 48 were given gold distinction. ECC leaders said this recognition reflects sustained, comprehensive implementation on their first attempt.

What happens next: ECC and district leaders will continue PBIS implementation and said they will report back; award winners were invited to the lobby for photos at the meeting’s close.

Sources: Little Miami Board of Education meeting transcript, Nov. 18, 2025.