Our Story
Where every child is a precious jewel
About Us
Little Gems has been established since 1998, providing quality care for children and the community alike. Our dedication to nurturing the mental, emotional, social, and physical development of children is a priority for us. We want children to succeed and give them the gift of critical skills that can last a lifetime. Here at Little Gems, each child is a precious jewel.
"Every child is a precious gem - unique, valuable, and deserving of the best care and education."
- Mary Johnson, Founder
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Our commitment to your child and our community goes beyond daily care; it's rooted in a deep dedication to sustainability. We embrace a comprehensive approach that weaves together environmental stewardship with strong social and educational principles.
Environmental Stewardship
We actively work to minimize our ecological footprint, creating a facility that is both energy-efficient and healthy for children.
- Energy Star-rated appliances and LED lighting
- Strict waste management and composting programs
- Natural, non-toxic cleaning products
- Natural landscaping with native plants
Social & Educational Resilience
Sustainability extends to the well-being of our staff, families, and the children themselves.
- Inclusive, equitable environment
- Competitive wages and low turnover
- Environmental education curriculum
- Local, seasonal whole foods
Nutrition Philosophy
To nurture healthy minds and bodies, we place a high value on nutrition, recognizing its critical role in cognitive development and overall well-being.
Our center is committed to serving meals and snacks prepared with natural, wholesome ingredients that provide the best fuel for active learning and play.
We make a conscious effort to limit the offering of foods containing toxic additives, artificial dyes, and excessive sugars, ensuring that what your child eats supports their physical health without unnecessary chemical exposure.
Example Weekly Menu
| Day | Breakfast | AM Snack (optional) | Lunch/Supper | PM Snack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Milk, Wheat pancakes, Banana | Milk, Yogurt, Graham crackers | Milk, Wheat bread, BBQ chickpeas, Corn & carrots, Mixed fruit | Milk, Tortilla chips, Melted cheese, Oranges |
| Tuesday | Milk, Wheat toast, Cheese grits, Apple | Milk, Blueberry Muffins | Milk, Wheat bread, Cheesy quesadilla, Rice & gravy, Green beans, Diced peaches | Milk, Hummus, Wheat pita wedges |
| Wednesday | Milk, Wheat cheese toast, Banana | Milk, Sliced cucumbers | Milk, Wheat bread, Lasagna, Mixed veggies, Sliced apples | Milk, Apple slices with seed butter |
| Thursday | Milk, Oatmeal, Banana | Milk, Pear slices, Seed butter | Milk, Wheat bread, Spaghetti casserole, Tossed salad, Mixed fruit | Milk, Veggie sticks, Hummus |
| Friday | Milk, Grilled Cheese on Wheat Bread, Banana | Milk, Baby carrots | Milk, Quinoa, Carrots, Black bean burgers, Oranges | Milk, Whole-grain crackers, Avocado dip |
All items on the menus can be substituted for dietary restrictions. AM snacks are optional and at the teacher's discretion, based on the children's needs. Water is offered throughout the day to keep children hydrated.
"It takes a village to raise a child" - African Proverb
Our Accreditation
Little Gems is proud to be a 5-star rated facility by the Department of Early Education. This highest rating recognizes our commitment to:
- Exceptional teacher qualifications and training
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Safe and nurturing environments
- Strong family engagement
- Continuous quality improvement
Our Shelby location receiving the 5-star rating in 2023
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
We endeavor to instill life’s principles that embody the following characteristics:
- Teaching children to become respectable and responsible members of society
- Taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions
- Building self-esteem so that children build healthy perceptions of their abilities and talents
- Making a positive, life-long impact on each child’s life that carries over into their adult life
- Enable children to think for themselves
- Self-discipline
Philosophy
We believe that good childcare depends upon consistent caregiving in a home-like atmosphere. Children are respected as valued and unique individuals, and teachers are sensitive to each child’s needs and speed of development. Basic skills are provided through a variety of activities that are relevant to the children’s lives. Activities are designed to enhance self-esteem and positive feelings towards learning. The center’s program is designed to include both planned and spontaneous activities in response to children’s interests. Experiences with music, movement, art, language, and skill building are incorporated into daily plans. Regularly scheduled snacks and meals, rest time, and indoor and outdoor play that promote the child’s health, comfort, and ability to be self-sufficient.
Our Dedicated Team
You can rest assured that your child is being cared for by a highly qualified and deeply compassionate team.
Each of our educators and staff members is selected through a meticulous vetting process that includes thorough background checks and professional referencing.
Our commitment to excellence continues well beyond hiring, as our team regularly participates in advanced professional development and specialized training throughout the year, ensuring they are current on the latest best practices in early childhood education, health, and safety.
Most importantly, our team genuinely cares about the well-being and advancement of every child, dedicated to fostering a supportive, nurturing environment where young minds are encouraged to thrive, learn, and reach their full potential.
Sarah Williams
Director
With Little Gems since 2005
"I love watching children discover their potential and develop confidence in their abilities."
James Rodriguez
Lead Preschool Teacher
With Little Gems since 2012
"Every day is an adventure in learning - both for the children and for me!"
Emily Chen
Infant Room Lead
With Little Gems since 2018
"The first years are so important - I'm honored to help lay the foundation for lifelong learning."