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Early Childhood Education

CSI’s 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.

We will work alongside parents and caregivers to ensure your child is kindergarten ready. A.W. Clark Child Development Center is actively enrolling toddlers. Fall preschool and pre-k enrollment will be opening soon. Spellman Child Development Center is enrolling toddlers, preschool and pre-k students!

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

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.

A.W. Clark Child Development Center is enrolling toddlers. Fall preschool and pre‑K enrollment opens soon.

Spellman Child Development Center is enrolling toddlers, preschool and pre‑K students.

Why Parents 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.

Great teachers and staff. All of them! I love the things my child learns here.

ACA.W. Clark Child Development Center parent

I have been sending my kids here for 4 years now and absolutely love it! From infant care all the way to preschool rooms, the teachers are amazing and get to know all your kids so well.

Leigh

I ABSOLUTELY love this place!

AmrindaA.W. Clark Child Development Center parent

I would like to let everyone know that this place has been a blessing to me and my child.

VanessaA.W. Clark Child Development Center parent

As a caring father my honest opinion of Child Saving Institute has been nothing but the best.

LuisA.W. Clark Child Development Center parent

They put their hearts and souls into their work with the kids every day and it shows!

NathalieA.W. Clark Child Development Center parent

The whole center is phenomenal. They have become an extension of my family to our 3-year-old boy… I have and will continue to recommend the Child Saving Institute to anyone looking for childcare.

SkipSpellman Child Development Center parent

My kids love going there and it helps my peace of mind knowing my kids are happy there and taken care of.

EllieSpellman Child Development Center parent

Understanding Their Journey:

What CSI Has to Offer from Infancy to Kindergarten Ready
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.

Our Locations

A.W. Clark Child Development Center

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

Child Saving Institute’s A.W. Clark Child Development Center is a 16-classroom facility located in the heart of Omaha at 45th & Dodge streets.

A.W. Clark Child Development Center is actively enrolling toddlers! Fall preschool and pre-k enrollment will be opening soon. Contact us today to set up a tour to come visit.

Spellman Child Development Center

6908 Mercy Road | Omaha, NE 68106
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 located on the College of Saint Mary in Aksarben.

Spellman Child Development Center is enrolling toddlers, preschool and pre-k students! Contact us today to set up a tour to come visit.

Program Leaders

Kristina Norwood

Vice President of Education

Briana Lozano

Assistant Site Director
A.W. Clark Child Development Center

Mickey Crampton

Site Director
Spellman Child Development Center

Ashley Clark

Assistant Site Director
Spellman Child Development Center

Frequently Asked Questions

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)

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.

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.

Current openings:

  • A.W. Clark Child Development Center: Actively enrolling toddlers. Fall preschool and pre‑K enrollment opens soon.
  • Spellman Child Development Center: Enrolling toddlers, preschool, and pre‑K students.

We encourage families to schedule a tour first. If you prefer, contact us and we’ll walk you through the process.

How do I inquire about your tuition costs/pricing?

We know that cost is an important part of your decision, and we’re committed to being transparent about our tuition rates. You can view current pricing details on our Tuition page. We highly encourage you to schedule a tour—it’s the best way to experience our center firsthand and explore how our program can support your child and family.

Both the A.W. Clark Child Development Center and the Spellman Child Development Center are accepting enrollments for new preschool and toddler students! Schedule a tour at either location (or both) today.

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!

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.

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.

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Jana Habrock - Program Director

Jana Habrock, BS, IMH-E®

Site Director - A.W. Clark Child Development Center

Jana possess 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.

Mickey Crampton

Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center

Mickey Crampton, Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center, has dedicated her career to fostering growth and learning among educators while making a positive impact on young students' lives. With over four years at Spellman and a wealth of experience in early childhood education, Mickey's expertise and passion for teaching make her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Arriving in Nebraska from California to pursue collegiate softball, Mickey discovered her love for working with children through nannying and eventually transitioned to childcare while completing her education. Her unique perspective and hands-on experience as a lead teacher, along with a bachelor's and master’s degree in human development, have paved the way for her success in various roles within the early childhood education field.

Mickey values humanity as the key to a thriving community at Spellman. By cultivating a safe and empathetic environment for students, families and staff, she ensures a nurturing space for all.

In her free time, Mickey cherishes moments with her family, engaging in outdoor activities such as swimming, going for walks, and camping. With her unwavering dedication to education and community well-being, Mickey Crampton's wealth of experience and passion for teaching make her an exceptional leader at Spellman Child Development Center.

Ashley Clark

Assistant Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center

Ashley Clark serves as the Assistant Site Director at Spellman Child Development Center and joined Child Saving Institute in 2024. She began her journey with CSI as an Educational Supervisor and transitioned into her current leadership role, bringing extensive experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.

Ashley has spent more than 20 years working with children and families in a variety of educational settings, including behavioral schools, childcare centers and public schools. Her career has included roles as a teacher’s assistant, lead teacher, family engagement specialist and educational supervisor, equipping her with a broad understanding of child development and the critical impact of early learning experiences.

Ashley is drawn to her work by the relationships she builds with children and their families. She believes that empathy is essential in leadership and education, helping her support staff and families while fostering growth, understanding and success. She is also committed to advocating for equitable access to quality education through programs like Head Start and Sixpence, ensuring children are prepared to thrive as they enter school.

Outside of her professional role, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, Ben, and their two children, Rylee and Cadyn. The family has lived in several locations during Ben’s Air Force career and now call Nebraska home. Ashley values creating meaningful family experiences and cherishes the time spent at home with her loved ones.

Ashley’s dedication to early childhood education, her empathetic leadership and her commitment to supporting children and families make her a valued member of the Child Saving Institute team and a strong advocate for the community she serves.

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 - A.W. Clark Child Development 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 A.W. Clark Child Development Center.

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.