Morningstar child development center: Come See the Morning Star Difference

Morning Star Child Development Center (2023 Profile)

Top Rankings
Overview
Student Body
Academics and Faculty
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Private Schools
School Reviews
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Top Rankings

Morning Star Child Development Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for:

Category

Attribute

Diversity

Highest percentage of students of color

School Overview

Student Body

Academics and Faculty

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for Morning Star Child Development Center?

The application deadline for Morning Star Child Development Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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• 623 S DREAM CATCHER
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BRIGHT MORNING STAR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER UNITED NATIONS

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BRIGHT MORNING STAR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER UNITED NATIONS

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As you prepare for your child’s educational program, know that we are committed to your child’s continued growth for development and well being. At Morning Star, we take pride in giving individual care to your child in a group setting.

We’ve created a learning environment characterized by a high level of cooperation, collaboration and communication amongst all who participate so that children, parents and teachers flourish and thrive.  Our staff is trained and determined to provide your child with a safe physical environment and an atmosphere where they can feel both secure and free to grow at their own pace under love and guidance.

If you are considering an educational and loving environment for your child, we welcome you to email or call us at 402-393-8215.

About Us

Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission & Philosophy

Transforming young lives through a Christ-centered program that is committed to the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual development of each child.  Learning through play is the heart of our curriculum with emphasis on helping children to interact, cooperate and grow together in community.

Our Belief

Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission & Philosophy

 Best practice is a technique or methodology that, through experience and research, has proven to reliably lead to a desired result. A commitment to using the best practices in early childhood is a commitment to using all the knowledge and technology at one’s disposal to ensure success. 

Our Staff

Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Staff

 Our staff is dedicated to providing a caring and positive atmosphere for children by creating a warm, happy and safe environment for all. Curriculum and activities are based on appropriate social, emotional, mental and physical levels of development. In addition, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training is required of all staff. 

INTERESTED IN ENROLLMENT?

Request Enrollment Form Here

Administrative Staff

Sarah Dumke, Director

Early Childhood Education Associates Degree

Bachelor’s Degree in Human and Social Service Administration, Bellevue University

22 years as an Educational Provider in Early Childhood
Email Sarah

Kathy Widdershoven, Assistant Director

Bachelor’s Degree from UNL
S. T.E.M. Specialist
Child Development Associate Degree
24 years as an Educational Provider in Early Childhood
Morning Star Education Specialist since 1999 

Email Kathy

Dawn Karnish, Administrative Manager

2015  Recipient of T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship for Early Childhood Education

AA in Psychology

Email Dawn

Marilyn Sander, Infant Program Coordinator

Ages 6 weeks-18 months
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education
30 + years as an Educational Provider in Early Childhood
Morning Star Education Specialist since 2005 

April Mather, Toddler & Preschool Coordinator

Ages 2 years-5 years
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Dual B. A. in Early Childhood Program Management and Behavioral Science
Designs all toddler and preschool classroom lesson plans
Morning Star Education Specialist since 2017 

PARENT RESOURCES

Phone Calls

Parents are encouraged and welcome to contact their child’s teachers with any questions or concerns they might have. 

Parent’s App

We are currently switching over to the Bright Wheel app. Watch your email for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I take to register my child at Morning Star?

Please email us at enroll. [email protected] with your child’s birthdate and information about when you wish to enroll your child. A registration form and information about our program will be emailed to you. Fill out the registration form and return it to us. We will determine which classroom your child would be in and it will put you on the wait list.

What does tuition include?

Our child care rates reflect monthly costs. These charges include breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and all age-appropriate specials. Child care charges are billed according to the schedule contracted in the Terms of and Letter of Agreement you will sign.

What percentage of your staff is CPR certified?

In Nebraska only one person in the center is required to be CPR certified. At Morning Star Preschool & Child Care Center EVERY staff member is certified in Infant & Pediatric First Aid and CPR. In addition, all staff are required to have background checks and are verified with the DHHS Central Registry.

How do you handle food allergies?

We will do everything within our means to alter menus when a food allergy requires an Epi-Pen. Morning Star is a completely nut-free facility.

How are meals prepared?

Our meals and snacks are prepared in our own kitchen. By preparing our own meals, we have the opportunity to respond to the needs and favorites of the children.

What are “Specials”?

Each day our preschool program offers something unique and special to enrich children’s learning. Our specials encourage creativity and self-expression. They include: S.T.E.M., Fine Arts, Music, Yoga/Movement, Social/Emotional Activity and Chapel.

Do you take the children on field trips?

For safety reasons, we bring the field trips to us! Each year, we bring a variety of educational and entertaining resources to our children:

• Omaha Fire Department
• Wildlife Encounters
• Guest Readers
• Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners
• Rose Theatre
• Poison Prevention Program
• Omaha Public Library
• Friendship Tea
• Dr. Oxygen Science Show

Our Curriculum

Our center follows developmentally appropriate practice. For young children, research tells us they learn best by “doing” or through play. Play is their “text book”. Our teachers create intentional, planned, play-based environments that facilitate all areas of development while at the same time allowing enough flexibility to respond to each child’s individual needs. Our teachers provide a wide variety of “hands on” experiences that encourage children to be active learners, to lead, to follow, to solve their conflicts, to listen, to appreciate differences, to count, to reason, to create, and to use their fine & large motor muscles. Our teachers teach by close observation and attunement to each child’s unique talents and abilities. Emphasis is placed on the process (the doing) rather than the product. The purpose is to help each child reach their highest potential intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally as well as nurture a genuine lifelong love of learning.

Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs)

Our Curriculum is based on the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines standards: Creative Arts; Social & Emotional Development; Approaches to Learning; Health & Physical Development; Language & Literacy Development; Mathematics; and Science.