Basics
Parents also searched for
Our Teachers
Meet Dena K. Morgan, President of Kinderstar Academy of Dungytreei, LLC. With numerous years of child care experience in this underserved community, Dena brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for nurturing young minds. Her commitment to providing quality education and care in Dungytreei is unwavering, making her a respected and impactful leader in our academy. Dena’s experience and dedication are a driving force behind our mission to empower and uplift the children of this unique and deserving community.
Early Educational Focus:
Academic Skills: Teaching number identification, counting, sequencing, math, letter identification, sounds, literacy, and writing skills.
Color and Season Learning:
Exploring the spectrum of colors, primary and secondary color mixing, and learning about seasons, holidays, days of the week, and months.
Life Skills:
Incorporating activities for self-care and everyday living skills, such as scooping, pouring, cleaning, zipping, tying, and handwashing.
Holistic Development:
Providing activities that cover social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative experiences.
Diverse Creative Influences:
Enriching the program with a team possessing various artistic skill sets such as drawing, painting, crafts, music, recording sessions, captivating children’s books, and plays, and showcasing our students’ talents in lively talent shows at our childcare center.
Testimonials
“I wholeheartedly trust Dena and she is tirelessly working to do whatever she can to help others. Her commitment to making a positive difference is truly commendable, and I appreciate the genuine effort she puts into assisting others. It’s reassuring to know that there are dedicated individuals like her, making a meaningful difference in our community.”-Lavonda Thomas
Philosophy
At Kinderstar Academy of Dungytreei, our childcare style is deeply rooted in a community-based approach—a principle profoundly important to Michigan parents. We understand that children thrive when connected to their local community, and our curriculum reflects this belief. By seamlessly integrating community elements into our programs, we not only provide children with a sense of belonging but also impart valuable lessons on cooperation, empathy, and the importance of giving back. This approach resonates with Michigan parents who recognize that fostering a strong community bond in early childhood lays the foundation for well-rounded, socially aware individuals, instilling values that will serve them throughout their lives.
Location
Our childcare center is located at the Dungytreei Heritage Foundation Legacy Center, a place deeply rooted in the community and committed to accessibility and inclusivity. Situated near numerous housing complexes, just five minutes from downtown Jackson, Michigan, and with easy freeway access, we are dedicated to serving diverse families. Our convenient location ensures that drop-offs and pickups are seamless, allowing every child to benefit from our enriching programs and fostering unity and equal opportunity for all. The Legacy Center carries a special significance, as Tony Dungy, the renowned former NFL player and coach, was born and raised in this very neighborhood. Born on October 6, 1955, in Jackson’s south side, in Ward 1, Dungy’s early experiences in the area contributed to his deep-rooted commitment to community and mentorship. His remarkable career saw him make history in 2007 as the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl, leading the Indianapolis Colts to victory. Beyond his accomplishments in football, Tony Dungy is a respected author and speaker, advocating for leadership, mentorship, and faith-based initiatives. Since stepping down as head coach of the Colts, Dungy is as an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.” His dedication to community service and mentoring young men is a testament to the values instilled in him by his parents. His father, Wilbur Dungy, was a science teacher and member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, while his mother, Clomae Dungy, was an English teacher who nurtured his love for learning and integrity. Their influence has shaped the principles guiding Tony Dungy throughout his life and career, and this legacy of character and service continues to inspire our mission at Kinderstar Academy of Dungytreei.
About our program
What makes our childcare program truly extraordinary is our exclusive commitment to wrap-around services for children. We are proud to be the only program in our community that not only provides top-quality education and care but also offers a lifeline to children and working families providing crucial support and assistance. Ensuring access to vital necessities such as food and shelter, we go beyond traditional childcare, exemplifying our unwavering dedication to the well-being and holistic development of every child in our care. This distinctive feature of our program underscores our profound mission to create a safe and nurturing haven for all children, making our childcare program truly exceptional.
Health Services: Ensuring the physical well-being of children through healthcare partnerships.
Nutritional Support: Providing healthy meals, snacks, and guidance on nutrition for both children and families.
Family Support Programs: Offering resources and workshops to support parents in various aspects of parenting and early childhood development.
Early Intervention Services: Identifying and addressing developmental concerns early on, potentially involving specialists when needed.
Providing high-quality tutoring and mentorship to empower children to thrive academically and personally.
Young Etiquette Program: Encompasses a range of lessons and activities aimed at teaching children their manners, proper behavior, and various social skills, including lessons on table manners, how to eat at the table, and set the table correctly. Our goal focuses on instilling polite and respectful behavior in various social situations.
Extended Hours: Accommodating working parents by offering before and after school care, emphasizing culinary skills, gardening, and healthy eating, offering a well-rounded experience. Integrating practical cooking techniques with hands-on gardening fosters a holistic understanding of food and nutrition, encouraging a sustainable and healthy approach.
Community Play Group is offered once a month to accommodate parents needing a break.
Summer Care: Our diverse and comprehensive work-based learning program includes, babysitting certification, a young hair braiders program, and golf providing a well-rounded set of skills and experiences for participants.
Free space for parents to host birthday parties for their children within our center.
Provide free essential items to parents as a supportive and community-building initiative.
Our annual car wash fundraiser is a way to teach kids about earning and managing money and responsibility. All proceeds go directly to the kids providing a tangible incentive, reinforcing the connection between effort and reward. This approach not only makes the fundraiser engaging but also instills practical skills and a sense of financial responsibility.
Organized field trips.
We offer onsite convenient dental care services to help maintain vibrant smiles and foster a positive journey toward oral health.
Our partners are the Dungytreei Heritage Foundation, Operation Red Door, LLC, Beauty Mark, LLC, Smiles, on Wheels, Jackson County Health Department, Jackson District Library, Imagine Planet, and the Pro Duffers.
Admissions
Kinderstar Academy of Dungytreei, LLC is a place where children have a future. Our threefold purpose revolves around providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children under or care.
-
Explore our website to learn about our philosophies and offerings.
-
Schedule a complimentary tour if currently available, or download our mobile app for future tour notifications.
-
Once you’ve toured and decided to enroll, submit an Enrollment Application.
Please feel free to contact Dena K. Morgan at (517) 240-3511.