Learning Star Preschool

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From all of us at Learning Star, thank you for being such an important part of our community. Your children bring joy and warmth into our days, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us.

This year, our classrooms have been filled with kindness, growth, and so many bright moments because of you—our wonderful families and students. It is an honor to learn alongside your children and to support them as they explore, play, and grow.

We are truly thankful for each of you, and we feel lucky every day to be part of your child’s world.

Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving,
The Learning Star Team

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✨ Create a Calming Connection Ritual ✨
Goodbyes can be tough—but a simple, consistent ritual helps your child feel secure and confident during transitions.

How to Create One:

💛 Involve your child: Work together to come up with a special ritual—a high-five, handshake, special word, or short song that’s just yours.
💛 Keep it simple: Make it quick and comforting. A short hug or wave works perfectly! The goal is to help your child feel grounded, not to stretch out the goodbye.

Why Consistency Matters:

🌼 Do it the same way every day—predictability builds confidence.
🌼 When those “one more hug!” requests come (and they will!), gently remind them: “We’ve done our special ritual, and now it’s time for me to go. I’ll be back after snacktime—you’ll be safe with Ms./Mr. [Name].”

Why It Works:

Your child learns that goodbyes have a clear, loving ending—and that they can handle the transition. Over time, drop-offs become smoother, and mornings start with confidence instead of tears.

You’re building your child’s sense of safety, strength, and independence—and that’s something to celebrate. 💕

💡 Try this simple ritual for calmer, more confident mornings!

✨ Share your favorite goodbye ritual in the comments or tag us in your morning moments—we love seeing how families connect! 💛

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Continuing our origin story today with one of my favorite chapters — the early years that built our foundation. 🌱
Before there were two buildings and a full staff, there were just a few of us — and a lot of heart. 💛

From 2005–2012, Learning Star was still small, but those years built the foundation for everything we are today.

Families entrusted me with their little ones, and I was fortunate to have a handful of incredible teacher’s aides who shared my heart and helped bring the vision to life. Together, we created something special — a program rooted in love, connection, and community.

Those early years were full of laughter, learning, and growth. They shaped our values and established the sense of belonging that still defines Learning Star more than 20 years later.

What began with a few families and a shared dream has grown into a place where children are known, teachers are supported, and families feel at home. 🌟

💬 Whether you were part of those early days or have joined us more recently, we’d love to hear from you!

Leave a 💛 or share your favorite Learning Star memory in the comments — we love celebrating the moments that connect us all.

Learning Star Preschool

🎃 Trick-or-Treat at Learning Star! 👻
Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening filled with treats, games, and fall fun!

🗓 Friday, Oct 24 | 6–7 PM
✨ Open to the public — bring friends!
🧙‍♀️ Costumes welcome (or come as you are!)
🍬 Practice trick-or-treating before the big night and enjoy a festive, kid-friendly atmosphere!

We can’t wait to celebrate with our community! 🍁💛

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Call us for more info at 573.444.5118
Location: 4006 West Broadway, Columbia, MO

✨ Come see what makes Learning Star Preschool special! ✨
Schedule a tour for by Oct. 10 to explore our classrooms, meet our amazing teachers, and see our play-based program in action.

🌟 Bonus: When you attend a tour, you’ll be entered to win a $50 Hy-Vee gift card – free groceries on us! 🛒🥖🍌

📅 Book your tour today at https://learningstarpreschool.iks.center/
or call us at 573.444.5118.

Did you know that Learning Star began as an in-home childcare program?
That’s right! 🌟

I first opened my program in St. Louis in 2002. When I moved back to Columbia in 2005 with my 4-year-old, my first priority was being a present parent while also providing for my family as a single-income household.

Re-opening the program here gave me the perfect way to do both — to care for my own child while also making a difference for other families in my hometown.

What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much this work would shape my future. Caring for children in their earliest years turned out to be more than a job — it was my calling. 💛

💬 Were you part of Learning Star in those early years? Drop the year your child attended in the comments — I’d love to see who remembers this chapter!

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🌟 At Learning Star Preschool, play is more than fun—it’s where big life lessons happen.

When children share, take turns, or comfort a friend, they’re building:
💛 Empathy
💛 Patience
💛 Problem-solving skills

These everyday moments in play lay the foundation for strong relationships and confident learners.

👉 Come see how our warm, play-based classrooms help children ages 2–5 grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Schedule a tour this week!
Linked here: https://learningstarpreschool.iks.center/

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At Learning Star Preschool, children learn best through play! 💫

With hours from 7:15 am – 5:45 pm, loving teachers, and a strong focus on social-emotional development, we’re here to support both children and families.

🍎 Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack included.
💛 Locally owned and operated.

Join our community where every child shines! 🌟

Schedule a tour today!

Need care for your child during the days that school is out?
Learning Star has you covered!

Learning Star has a full-day program (7:30am-5:30pm) for kids in K-5th grade on select dates, including the first one on SEPT. 22.

Full information and enrollment form linked here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5g5HXIjbiDjwM1eEXoN1-NLahJtiM2Z/view?usp=sharing

Reach out with any questions or to schedule a tour!
☎️573.444.5118
www.LearningStarPreschool.com

🌞 Wake up, it’s FUN day! 🌞
Grab the kids and head to Learning Star this morning for our Open House—open to the public!

🎨 Face painting
🛝 Playground
🍪 Snacks & games
👩‍🏫 Meet our teachers & see our classrooms

Today only! Sat 8/9 | 9–12
📍 4006 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO

Free fun for the whole family—come play! 🌟

Learning Star Preschool | Play. Love. Learn. Learning Star Preschool is a positive, safe and fun preschool in Columbia, Missouri.

With the new school year around the corner, are you looking for a simple guide to make school drop-offs smooth and successful? ✨️

If your child feels upset or clingy at drop-off, it’s okay. Their feelings are important, and you can help them feel safe and supported.

📌 Save this to review for those first few days or weeks of school!

Here’s what to do...

1. Acknowledge their feelings
💙 Show empathy by saying something like, “I see you’re feeling worried about being at preschool while I go to work.”

2. Reassure them about safety
🧡 Calmly remind them, “You’re safe here. Ms./Mr. [Name] will take good care of you.”

3. Create a calming connection:
🎈 Try a deep breathing technique like "Balloon Breath" (If you practice this at home, it will be easier during drop-off).
🫶🏻 Create a short goodbye ritual, like a special handshake or a hug, that you do every morning. Involve the teacher in the ritual if possible.

4. Say your goodbyes with confidence
💜 Once the ritual is complete, take a deep breath and say something reassuring, like:
“I’ll be back after snacktime. Ms./Mr. [Name] will keep you safe. You can do it!”
💛 Pass your child to the teacher with a smile, then walk away calmly. Envision your child as strong and capable.

🌟 Remember, this is a positive step in building their confidence!

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Learning Star Preschool | Play. Love. Learn. Learning Star Preschool is a positive, safe and fun preschool in Columbia, Missouri.

🎉 Ready for some family fun? 🎉

We’re throwing an Open House next Saturday, and you’re invited! 🏡🌟 Bring the kids, bring your friends—everyone’s welcome to join the party at Learning Star Preschool! 🎈

✨ Face Painting (for all ages)
​😊 Games & activities that’ll keep the kids entertained
🍪 Delicious snacks to enjoy while you mingle
🏫 On-the-spot classroom tours—get an inside look at our engaging environment!
👩‍🏫 Meet our wonderful teachers—they can’t wait to connect with you!

🗓️ Saturday, August 9th, 9 AM–12 PM
📍 Learning Star Preschool, 4006 W. Broadway
Learning Star Preschool

It’s a great way to see what we’re all about while having tons of fun! 🎨💛 We can’t wait to see you and your little ones there!

Learning Star Preschool | Play. Love. Learn. Learning Star Preschool is a positive, safe and fun preschool in Columbia, Missouri.