Little Jewels Child Care and Enrichment Center

The Center provides care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old.
Our individualized approach to learning allows young children to explore their curiosities and interests through our Creative Curriculum, focusing on STEM subjects, along with social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
To enroll your child, please contact Center's Director for online enrollment application.

Location: 216 W. 16th St., York, NE Phone: 402.363.7153

Contact Director

our purpose

So that children may “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”- II Peter 3:18

our mission

To provide early education through an experiential approach, that focuses on meeting the individual needs of all children in an inspiring and evoking environment.

we believe

Young children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). It is our integral role to provide a warm and safe, Christ-centered environment for young children to learn through exploration and hands-on, child guided experiences.
Each child is unique. Our exemplar teachers guide children to grow socially by practicing problem-solving techniques. We model compassion and empathy for others, and help children develop a positive sense of self and appreciation for other cultures through a structured social emotional curriculum.
Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of behavior management for children. When children receive positive, nonviolent, and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline. We use a positive approach to discipline and practice encouraging behavior management techniques.
As we seek to obey our Lord’s command to “make disciples of all people,” (Matthew 28:19) we believe that quality child care should be available to all children, regardless of race, creed, income, disability, or sex. We seek to give children and families significant opportunities to grow and strengthen. In this effort, Little Jewels accepts Title XX (Child Care Subsidy).
Although parents are the primary teachers, it truly takes a village to raise children. It is our role to support and further develop the nurturing environment that is already happening at home. It is our purpose to support the parents in their role, and to provide resources and guidance to at risk children and families.

step up to quality

Did you know 90 percent of brain development occurs before age 5?
Early learning builds the foundation for skills needed in school, work and life. Quality child care matters and that’s why we’re so proud to be a quality rated program through Step Up to Quality.
Learn more about Step Up to Quality at http://stepuptoquality.ne.gov/

meet our team

Karen Gaughen
I have been married for 35 years. We have 3 grown children and 3 granddaughters, and 1 grandson on the way! I enjoy just being with my family and doing fun activities with them. I also like traveling with my husband on his services calls in the different states. In school I studied Early Education at Peru State.

Favorite Drink: Diet Pepsi
Favorite Place to Eat: Four Brothers
Favorite Candy: Almond Joy
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Flower: Daisy
Favorite Store: Hobby Lobby, Burlington Coat Factory

Why do you work in Early Childhood? I enjoy working with children, watching them grow and learn. I’ve been in child care work for many years. I’ve really enjoyed watching them discover new things, new words, and interacting with all the other children and teachers.

Tracey Sieck
I am a mother of 3 sons, Dustin, Andy and Heath, who have given me 4 grandchildren. My husband Steve and I have been married for 1 ½ years. Family is important to me, and I enjoy spending time with my parents that live here in York (who have been married for 67 years!) I love to spend time with my family and my dog. We like to go out to the lake on our paddle boat, ride bikes, go for walks or do crafts.

Favorite Drink: Brisk Raspberry Tea, Anything at Captain Red Beards, Ice Mountain Water
Favorite Place to Eat: Huddle House, Chinese
Favorite Color: Pastels
Favorite Flower: Carnation, roses, pansies
Favorite Store: Menards, Torrid
Favorite Bible Verse: “Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God; for there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” 2 Samuel 7:22, “Preserve me, O God; for in Thee do I put my trust.” Psalm 16:1

Why do you work in Early Childhood? I love children and hope that I can help in being a positive in their lives. I want to help teach many things with good qualities. I want to be able to help children learn, and for them to feel safe and secure. I want them to grow and have confidence in themselves, and to show them right from wrong.

Shari Fox
I was born in Lynch, Nebraska and have lived in York my whole life. I have 1 sister and 1 brother, and a son who is my whole world. I love dogs, I have three of them! I love spending time outside and swimming in my pool. I also love spending time with my dad who just turned 70. I teach in the toddler classroom with children 18 mo-3 years.

Favorite Drink: Mt. Dew or Dr. Pepper
Favorite Place to Eat: Godfather’s, Red Lobster
Favorite Candy: Chocolate
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Flower: Pink roses
Favorite Store: Dollar Tree!
Favorite Bible Verse: Footprints in the Sand poem

Why do you work in Early Childhood? I have been working in child care since I was 16. I love being around kids and making a difference in their lives. I love teaching them new things and helping them learn. I have sure learned a lot throughout my years in child care, and still learn new things. It’s been a great adventure.

Bailey Richters
I grew up and live between Utica and Goehner, Nebraska. I have two brothers, Garrett and Grant. I went to school at Southeast Community College in Lincoln and studied Early Childhood Education. I am hoping to go back to finish the classes I need to graduate.

Favorite Drink: Iced Tea, Vanilla Bean Frappe with Raspberry
Favorite Place to Eat: Texas Road House
Favorite Candy: Snickers, fruity candy
Favorite Color: neon colors
Favorite Flower: I’d rather have chocolates!
Favorite Store: Amazon
Favorite Bible Verse: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Why do you work in Early Childhood? I have known that I wanted to work with children since I was around 8 years old. I started babysitting at 12 and have been working with children ever since. Every child that I have watched or taught holds a very special place in my heart. I love them and treat them as they were my own children. I wouldn’t change what I do for the world.

Becky Deprez
I’ve been married to my husband Dan for 27 years. We have 3 daughters, Bethany, Caitroina and Brittlyn. I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education. In my free time I would like to visit every town in Nebraska and visit their stores and restaurants.

Favorite Drink: Hazelnut coffee
Favorite Place to Eat: Valentinos
Favorite Candy: Take 5 candy bars
Favorite Color: Coral
Favorite Flower: Hydrangea
Favorite Store: H&M, Hobby Lobby
Favorite Bible Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

Why do you work in Early Childhood? I have ALWAYS loved babies and little children. I love the daily hugs and the funny things they say. I love seeing them grow and change and learn new things.

Madison Plock
I am the oldest of 4 children (3 girls & 1 boy). We have two dogs, a sheltie named Echo and a border collie named Moka. I enjoy the occasional run and hammocking! I am currently a senior at UNL studying human development and family sciences, with a minor in education.

Favorite Drink: Raspberry lemonade
Favorite Place to Eat: La Cocina
Favorite Candy: Reese’s
Favorite Color: Light blue
Favorite Flower: Sunflower
Favorite Store: Lush
Favorite Bible Verse: “Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

Why do you work in Early Childhood? I have worked in early childhood for many years because I enjoy being able to watch the kids grow and develop. I also enjoy getting to be a part of their every day learning and forming connections with the children.

What parents are saying

Elizabeth P.

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Company

I am so thankful for Little Jewels and the personalized care they provide for my daughter.
I feel so at ease knowing she’s in good hands.

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Tiffany S.

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My daughter was one of the first infants when the child care opened (now toddler group). Being a first time mommy, I was really nervous about leaving her alone all day. Little Jewels made the transition a lot easier by sending me a few pictures during the day and welcoming me to call and check up on her. When she got used to everyone there, she started learning so much. She started talking a lot more, created great friendships with kids and adults, and the best thing is she began learning about numbers and letters.
Little Jewels has taught my daughter so much more than what I would be able to do on my own.
With our lives being as crazy as it is, I’m so thankful for the ladies that work here.
They watch and care for my daughter as if she is one of their own.
Family is huge for them and it shows so much. I thank them for everything they do!

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Heather D.

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Little Jewels is the best child care- in YORK and I would even say in the state of Nebraska! The caregivers there treat your child like their own and willingly give their love , open their hearts and special attention to each one of their little ones. I cherish every day my kids got to spend there!!
Thank you Little Jewels for taking wonderful care of my kids!

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For more information, please contact our Center's Director - 402.363.7153