KiddieGarden Daycare

Our Teachers

Miss Sandy: Provider / Owner

I am a fun-loving mother of one middle-schooler and one high-schooler. My family and I enjoy camping, dirt-bike riding, and spending time together outdoors. My husband, Pete, and I have been married since 2003.

I love working with children. I have cared for children in a variety of environments over the last 27 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies with a minor in child life from the University of Utah. I was not aiming for a career with children, but soon realized that my skills in this area are unique and needed in the community. I have operated a licensed child care in my home, both in Omaha and in Salt Lake City, since 2008.

We enjoy a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. I want children to explore their abilities, be self-confident, and have fun learning the skills they need to be successful in life. They will have hugs, someone who will listen, discipline, acceptance, and love while they are here, this is their home away from home.

Children learn so many vital things through playing with others. We are outside as much as possible, sometimes over three hours a day in the summer.

I am here to provide support and peace of mind to parents. I strive to be one of the best childcare choices available. I often attend trainings and conferences, improve the childcare environment, and try new ways of learning with the children. I completed over 40 hours of training in 2020, including NECC’s Family Childcare Business Series. I recently achieved Step 2 in the Nebraska Step Up to Quality program.

Miss Lynne: Co-Provider

I am the mother of two children, ages 4 and 8. I am currently enrolled in college seeking a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I have enjoyed working with children for over 10 years, here and in child care centers. I have been Miss Sandy’s co-provider for over three and a half years. I love to watch the kids grow and discover their world.

Miss Emma: Child Care Assistant

I am a college-student who enjoys working with kids. I take time to get to know the kids, play games, and snuggle the little ones. I have been assisting at Miss Sandy’s since October 2020.

Testimonials

The majority of these quotes are from cards and letters over the years. (I am extremely grateful to have these children and families in my life.)

“We can’t say thank you enough! (Our daughter) has grown so much in your care and loved learning. We are so thankful to have you watch our children!” S.R. 2021

“Thanks so much for all you’ve done the last four years for our kids. We’ve loved our time with you and we will miss you. Finding great childcare can be difficult and I’m so glad we found you.” C.B. 2021

“Thank you for all you do everyday for (our daughter). We’d be lost without you!” A.B. 2021

“Thank you for providing a friendly, loving atmosphere for (our children) for the past couple of years. It has been so great to know that our kids were happy and having fun while learning each day! I have no doubt that part of(our son’s) love of letters and books is because of his time with you.” S.E. 2021

“We are so “beyond” grateful to have you in our lives. Don’t know that we’d do without you!” L.T. 2020

“I love you. Thank you for being a good teacher.” R.B. ( 2 years old) 2020

“We can’t thank you enough for the care you have given (our son) for “basically” his whole life (5.5 years). I feel so blessed know he was not only well cared for physically, but knowing he felt loved and safe everyday. I know he has been well prepared for kindergarten and seeing him so excited and happy to start tells me he is happy and secure. - and you are a huge part of that!” K.C. 2019

“We are so grateful for another year spent with you. Your caring, guidance, and spirit are appreciated and valued more than we can say.” T.S. 2018

“Thank you for taking such excellent care of (our son). You have such a special gift with kids and we know you put your heart and soul into the care of each kid you have there.” M.H. 2018

“Thank you so much for caring for and loving (our son) for us. We feel very lucky to have him with you everyday.” A.N. 2018

“What you provide for us is nothing short of amazing. Your positivity and exuberant kindness are daily on display. We are so thankful for you. Thank you especially, for holding to the consequences you give and for the incredible patience you’ve had with (our daughter’s) marathon potty training. C.B. 2018

“We love Sandy and KiddieGarden Daycare! Our kids are happy there and have tons of fun. They go outside almost daily and also use a preschool curriculum for the older kiddos. I feel comfortable knowing my kids are safe and loved while I am working. Thanks for all you do Sandy! :) “ C.B. 2017

“What you provide for us is nothing short of amazing. Your positivity and exuberant kindness are daily on display. We are so thankful for you. Thank you especially, for holding to the consequences you give and for the incredible patience you’ve had with (our daughter’s) marathon potty training. C.B. 2018

“Thank you for taking such stellar care of our son. …Thank you for not only doing what you do but doing it amazingly well.” K.B. 2018

“We love you and cannot put into words how much we appreciate the love and care you have provided for (our son). (He) is comfortable, happy, and trusting in your care. As a mom, I couldn’t ask for anything more. You have loved him as you love your own. You have taught him so much and your kindness and generosity has helped shape him into the wonderful tiny human he is.” M.W. 2017

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for you and what you have done for our children over the last 2.5 years. When we were looking for a new provider, we were scared. Which I know you full understand, we wanted what was best for our kids, and without a doubt, we found that in you. From day one, you have made us feel comfortable and our kids fufilled. We are truly lucky to have found someone who loves and cares for our kids, as much as you have.” K.Y. 2017

“We really hit the jackpot in finding you!” M.H. 2016

“Thank you for taking such wonderful care of our baby! It’s hard to trust someone to take the biggest piece of your heart for so many hours of each day, but you make it easy!!” E.M. 2014

“Thank you for caring for our kids for the last 15 months. They have both grown so much socially and academically. I appreciate all the love and attention you have given to them–even when it wasn’t easy. We appreciate all you have done for them.” S.M. 2013

“Thank you so much for the love and care you provided for my boys! You have been so wonderful, flexible, and fun!” S.G. 2012

“Thank you so much Sandy for being so great with my kids! I appreciate it more than I could ever tell you!” M.T. 2011

“We have been nothing short of 100% satisfied with the care given to (our son).” J.W. Mar 2010

Philosophy

Every childcare provider should strive to provide the highest quality of care. Quality care is achieved through continuous learning, experience, improving the environment as necessary, and a love of children.

I strongly believe children need to feel loved and safe above all else. I am committed to providing a safe, loving environment where children are free to learn and explore their physical and intellectual abilities.

I provide activities to strengthen their skills at their individual pace. I have a fun, educational childcare space where my staff and I nurture each child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. There is not always a tangible product when learning is taking place – our focus not is not always on worksheets or crafts with a specific outcome. Children learn so many vital skills through free-play, songs, dancing, conversations, and interaction with their peers. One of the biggest predictors of success in kindergarten and beyond is the mastery of executive functions; self-awareness, self-restraint, inner voice, self-regulation, self-motivation and planning/problem-solving. Though ABC’s and 123s are important, they are not the building blocks of success in life.

Time outdoors is essential for children. Children who have opportunities to play and learn in nature are healthier, more resilient, more capable, better critical thinkers, and more environmentally aware. Especially in the summer months the children in my care are outside up to 3 hours a day. They are allowed “risky play.” They may climb the small trees in the mulch area, climb under the bushes, ride trikes down the hill, swing high in the saucer-swing in the Oak tree, climb on playhouses, dig holes, move truck tires, carry boards and rocks, balance on logs and boards, etc. Risky play in early childhood can help develop a child’s self-confidence, resilience, executive functioning abilities and even risk-management skills. In her Ted Talk, Judy Klein, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, trained in both pediatrics and emergency medicine, argues that climbing trees, playing with knives, building fires, and getting lost is critical to child development. But, sadly, kids are so rarely being allowed to do such things these days. “Without free and risky play,” says Klein, “kid’s sensory, motor and balance systems may not develop properly, and they may not develop the confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in their later years. The epidemic of anxiety in our adolescents, as well as extreme risk-taking in these vulnerable years, may also be related to the decline of risky outdoor play in early childhood.” Of course, I make sure their “risks” are developmentally appropriate. I will leave playing with knives and fire for you to explore with your children at home;) Your child will get dirty here. They will get the occasional bruise or scrape. They will flourish and grow.

Each child has a unique family structure, culture, and belief background which they receive from their families. I respect and welcome each child’s uniqueness/make-up.

Childcare is not just a “job,” we are Early Childhood Educators. Some might even believe it to be a calling. Please remember that we work hard to be physically and mentally available for your child up to 10.5 hours a day, five days a week. We need all our wits and compassion available. Taking personal time off with our families is essential to maintain this. We need time to relax, catch up on chores, process paperwork and such just like you do. With this in mind, time-off has been built into our annual calendar.

I serve as a partner with parents and advocate for each child. I will provide consistent and professional care for the children entrusted to me. Parent involvement is critical. Open communication and partnership are essential to the growth and development of the individual child. I provide continuous feedback to parents and welcome their input at any time.

Location

We are located in a lovely West Omaha neighborhood with easy access to 168th.

About our program

Our focus is to promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. To provide a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace, to play, to explore their abilities, and to be kind. To provide dependable childcare services by educated Early Childhood Professionals. To give parents peace of mind and support. To be an example of what a quality childcare should be.

Admissions

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1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes KiddieGarden Daycare unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/kiddie-garden-daycare-6460/apply – note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.