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Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Education

Immediate openings for preschoolers at both centers. Enroll today!

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Discover Child Saving Institute’s Childcare Program: Nurturing Hearts and Minds

Kids Doing CraftsAt Child Saving Institute, our Early Childhood Education program provides a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for children six weeks to six years of age tailored to each child’s unique developmental needs. Our focus on community, family and individual well-being sets us apart in providing an exceptional foundation for your child’s lifelong success.

Through each intentional level of learning (pre-k, preschool, toddler and infant), we will work alongside parents and caregivers to ensure your child is kindergarten ready.

Why Choose Child Saving Institute?

Comprehensive Support

Unique to CSI, our on-site wraparound services, such as KidSquad, Mental Health Services and others, provide additional support to children, caregivers and teachers, creating an environment like no other.

Strong Community

Family events and activities, like Valentine’s Day brunches, Thanksgiving family lunches, and preschool graduation ceremonies, strengthen our community bonds and create lasting memories.

Enrichment Activities

We offer optional on-site programs such as Stretch-n-Grow, fitness, dance, sports and yoga to further enhance your child’s overall well-being.

Healthy Meals

Our state-of-the-art commercial kitchens provide homemade, well-balanced meals (breakfast, lunch and snack) that support your child’s growth and development.

Safety and Security

Our secured facilities have badge entry access, cameras in every classroom and other measures intentionally in place to prioritize your child’s safety while in our care.

Communication

Enjoy direct communication with teachers via our app in addition to regular one-on-one conferences to foster partnerships between home and school.

Quality Care

Both childcare centers are COA accredited and participate in the Nebraska Step Up to Quality program, which holds centers to the highest standard of care.

Space Designed for Kids

With ample indoor space for year-round activities and outdoor Nature Explore classrooms, the centers were designed around the needs of children—all in a safe and secure environment.

PRE-K
(4-6 years old)

CSI’s pre-k program focuses on kindergarten readiness with a strong emphasis on literacy. Our innovative project-based learning approach allows your child to engage with subjects that spark their curiosity, ensuring that all learning is relevant and meaningful.

Literacy-rich activities to enhance reading, writing and comprehension skills.
Integrated learning opportunities with a focus on social skills, math and creativity.
Strong foundations for a successful transition into kindergarten.
PRE-SCHOOL
(3-4 years old)

Our preschool program offers a stimulating and inclusive environment that supports social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

Age-appropriate activities to foster language, literacy and numeracy skills.
Exploration and discovery through play-based learning.
Supportive teachers and caring staff ensure your child’s growth and happiness.
TODDLER
(18 months-3 years)

Our toddler classrooms are designed for your little one to explore and use their new-found autonomy in a safe environment.

Strong focus on social-emotional skill development.
Play-based learning that is age-appropriate, building on previous skillsets for continued growth.
Emphasis on mastering self-help skills and independence.
INFANT
(6 weeks-18 months)

Your infant will receive top-notch care within our walls. What makes us stand apart? We focus on oral language development skill building and responsive care.

Lesson planned activities to meet infants individual needs.
Sensory play activities to promote exploration and natural curiosity, while also strengthening motor skills.

Enroll Your Child Today

Experience the Child Saving Institute difference and become a part of our community that cultivates a love for learning while nurturing your child’s unique potential. Enroll today to give your child the best possible start in life.

Both the Early Childhood Education Center on 45th & Dodge and the Spellman Child Development Center are accepting enrollments for new pre-k, preschooler and toddler students. Schedule a tour at either location (or both) today.

Our Locations

CSI Early Childhood Education Center

4545 Dodge Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | Phone: 402.553.6000
Ages: 6 weeks-6 years | Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6pm

Child Saving Institute’s Childhood Education Center is a 12-classroom facility licensed for 120 children located in the heart of Omaha at 45th & Dodge streets.

CSI’s Early Childhood Education Center is currently enrolling pre-k, preschoolers and toddlers. Contact us today to set up a tour to come visit.

Spellman Child Development Center

6908 Mercy Rd | Omaha, NE 68106 | Phone: 402.390.2028
Ages: 6 weeks-6 years | Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6pm

The Spellman Child Development Center, managed by Child Saving Institute, is a 10-classroom facility licensed for 140 children located on the College of Saint Mary in Aksarben.

The Spellman Child Development Center is currently enrolling pre-k, preschoolers and toddlers. Contact us today to set up a tour to come visit.

Program Leaders

Kristina Norwood

Program Director
Early Childhood Education
4545 Dodge Street Campus & Spellman Child Development Center

Email Kristina

Jana Habrock

Site Director
Early Childhood Education Center
4545 Dodge Street Campus

Email Jana

Briana Lozano

Assistant Site Director
Early Childhood Education Center
4545 Dodge Street Campus

Email Briana
402.553.6000 x 818

Patti Pagel

Site Director
Spellman Child Development Center
College of Saint Mary Campus

Email Patti
402.390.2028

Julie Knight

Assistant Site Director
Spellman Child Development Center
College of Saint Mary Campus

Email Julie
402.390.2028

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the educational goals of CSI's Early Childhood Education program?

Our goal is that children in our child care centers build a solid foundation for developing and maintaining future healthy relationships with others, as well as prepare them to be academically and socially ready for kindergarten.

  • Approaching life as an invitation to learn
  • Becoming a confident and competent lifelong learner
  • Developing emotional intelligence, personal power and social skills
  • Developing the social and cognitive skills necessary for school success

How will you assess my child’s development?

We use the scientifically-proven assessment tool, Teaching Strategies GOLD®, to observe and document your child’s progress every day and assess their learning and development over time. This includes documenting activities on a daily basis; taking notes about what we see and hear; collecting samples of your child’s drawings, artwork and writing attempts.

Our qualified educators utilize Creative Curriculum to ensure children enrolled in our program are kindergarten ready! These proven teaching strategies and project-based learning is developed specifically for the developing brain. In fact, most school districts use the same Creative Curriculum that we do at CSI!

I'm not quite ready to enroll my child in child care but I am interested in continuing to hear about what is happening at the center. How can I get information?

If you are interested in learning more about what takes place in our centers, we encourage you to follow Child Saving Institute on Facebook and/or Instagram. We regularly highlight the fun and learning taking place in both CSI early childhood education centers.

Are all staff trained in CPR and First Aid?

Yes, all of the staff at both centers are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid.

How do I inquire about your tuition costs/pricing?

We highly encourage you to schedule a tour using the form below so that we can meet with you and discuss our tuition pricing. You are also welcome to contact us via the form below and we can provide additional details.

Both the Early Childhood Education Center on 45th & Dodge and the Spellman Child Development Center are accepting enrollments for new pre-k, preschool and toddler students. Schedule a tour at either location (or both) today.

Do you have a waitlist? If so, how do I join it?

We’re glad you asked! While we often have immediate openings for various
age groups, some may have a waitlist. Please discuss your start date preferences with our site directors. If there’s a waitlist, we’ll guide you through that process.

Currently, we are enrolling new pre-k, preschool and toddlers at both centers—no waitlist! We encourage all those interested to first take a tour; however, please feel free contact us and we can discuss the process in more detail.

What are your hours?

Both childcare centers operate regular business hours Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 6pm. We provide in advance planned holiday closures during your enrollment.

What ages do you serve?

We provide early childhood education to children six weeks to six years. Our classroom structure is as follows:

  • Pre-k (4-6 years)
  • Preschool (3-4 years)
  • Toddler (18 months-3 years)
  • Infant (6 weeks-18 months)
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CSI’s new pre-k program focuses on kindergarten readiness with a strong emphasis on literacy! Both the Early Childhood Education Center on 45th & Dodge and the Spellman Child Development Center are accepting enrollments for NEW pre-k students, preschoolers and toddles. Schedule a tour at either location (or both) today.

Kristina Norwood

Program Director - Early Childhood Education

Kristina, Program Director of Early Childhood Education, brings over 24 years of diverse experience in education to Child Saving Institute. Driven by her passion for high-quality early childhood programs, Kristina's commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Having held various positions such as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, program evaluator and preschool consultant, Kristina's extensive background has honed her expertise in identifying the key components of successful early childhood education. Her dedication to open communication and setting clear goals fosters a collaborative environment that consistently aims to provide the best support for children and families.

In her personal life, Kristina is actively involved in volunteering, with a focus on children and military families. She has participated in numerous initiatives such as coaching Special Olympics basketball, supporting families with special needs, leading Girl Scout troops and contributing to military community programs like Wild Blue Yonder and Military Key Spouse Program.

As a voracious reader, Kristina balances her love for both fiction and non-fiction. She also enjoys traveling the world, attending sports events and watching Broadway shows with her family. When she's not immersed in a book or exploring new destinations, Kristina can often be found channeling her creativity through cooking. Her diverse interests and unwavering dedication make Kristina a well-rounded leader in the field of early childhood education.

Jana Habrock - Program Director

Jana Habrock, BS, IMH-E®

Site Director - Early Childhood Education Center

Jana poses an illustrious 30-year tenure at CSI. Her career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to enhancing the strengths of others. In her role, she skillfully oversees multiple programs, all of which prioritize the well-being of children and families.

Jana's journey within CSI is one of evolution, having served in various capacities before taking on her current leadership role. Through her educational foundation in family studies, acquired at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, combined with a master's certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health from Portland State University, Jana has honed her expertise in understanding and nurturing the early relationships crucial to a child's lifelong success.

Before CSI, Jana worked at Boys Town, where she forged a profound appreciation of positive early relationships in shaping adolescents' lives. This experience ignited her passion for working with young children, aligning perfectly with CSI's philosophy.

One of Jana's core values is encapsulated in her mantra, "Be the reason someone feels welcome, seen, heard, valued, loved and supported." This philosophy extends beyond her professional life, as she actively volunteers for initiatives that enhance the lives of children. Additionally, her personal encounters with cancer have driven her to support cancer research, underlining her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Away from her professional and volunteer pursuits, Jana finds solace in nature. Whether hiking along the scenic trails of Omaha or exploring the parks of Nebraska with her faithful canine companion, Jana revels in the beauty of the outdoors. She also cherishes quality time with family.

Patti Pagel

Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center

Patti Pagel, Site Director at the Spellman Child Development Center, brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education to Child Saving Institute (CSI). Motivated by her passion for fostering growth, she knew CSI was the perfect place to continue her career. 

Patti's diverse background includes roles as a nanny, special education teacher and various leadership positions. She is dedicated to helping children and families thrive while supporting teachers in reaching their potential. 

Believing that strong relationships are key to success, Patti prioritizes building connections in both her professional and personal life. She actively engages in community events, such as trunk-or-treating, and played an instrumental role in establishing a childcare center in a small Nebraska town. 

When not focused on education, Patti enjoys spending time with her family, which includes six children and 12 grandchildren. She has a love for the outdoors and can often be found boating and swimming at Table Rock Lake in Missouri. 

Patti Pagel's extensive experience, commitment to fostering growth and dedication to building strong relationships make her a valuable asset to Child Saving Institute and the Spellman Child Development Center. 

Julie Knight

Assistant Site Director - Spellman Child Development Center

With 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Julie is a passionate and dedicated leader at Spellman Child Development Center. As the Assistant Site Director, Julie is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the center, while also building strong relationships with staff, children and parents. 

Julie's journey with CSI began 20 years ago, when she worked as an aide in the toddler room at the center while her daughter attended the multi-age room. After a 10-year hiatus, Julie re-joined CSI as the Assistant Site Director, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the organization's values. 

"I love having the opportunity to interact with all the children, parents and staff at the center," Julie says. "I'm also excited to be at Spellman on the CSM campus, where I graduated from college. It's a dream come true to be back in this community." 

Julie's role at CSI is made up of many different components, but she says her favorite part is making connections with everyone she meets. She prioritizes getting to know each staff member, parent and child, and takes the time to understand their unique struggles and strengths. " I love the fact that every day I am learning something new about CSI or a member or a staff member and I am just extremely grateful to be a part of all of these adults and children's lives," Julie says. 

One of Julie's core values is understanding and empathy, and she believes that this is essential for both individual and team success. She says, " When I am leading or guiding, I try to be gracious of everyone's individual situations and journeys and try to support them the best I can where they are at with no judgement." 

When not working, Julie loves to spend time with her three wonderful children, who share her passion for history and day trips to museums and landmarks. She is also an animal lover, with two cats and a dog, and enjoys cooking and feeding those around her. Julie's love for fashion is evident in her "Fancy Friday" tradition, which encourages children to express themselves and embrace individuality. 

Julie's love for community is evident in her extensive volunteer work, which has taken her to local food pantries, shelters, and other organizations. She says, "volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with people and learn about the resources available in our community. I've made lasting relationships and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of service and compassion." 

Briana Lozano - Assistant Site Director

Briana Lozano

Assistant Site Director - Early Childhood Education Center

Briana is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to CSI where she has contributed her expertise since 2020. Beginning her journey as a lead educator in one of CSI's classrooms, she quickly ascended the ranks, earning the esteemed position of Assistant Site Director at the 45th and Dodge location.

Briana is passionate and enthusiastic about her role. She takes pride in being a part of an organization that prioritizes quality and utilizes best practices, while also extending its reach to serve the entire family, offering a comprehensive range of services and resources. Briana's eyes light up when she discusses her favorite aspect of the job—witnessing the children's growth as they achieve significant developmental milestones. However, it's not just the children that bring her joy; it's the entire CSI community of dedicated team members who share a genuine concern for every family they support.

Briana's journey in the field of child care began in 2007. Her career has been a diverse in serving many different roles prior to her current position at CSI. Her passion for working with children was ignited during her high school years, when she had the opportunity to work at a daycare and intern at an elementary school. These experiences solidified her love for early childhood education.

Beyond her professional life, Briana is a well-rounded individual with a deep passion for community well-being. She has a long history of volunteering with community organizations, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact beyond merely the workplace.