About Us
Our Mission
We provide a safe, loving, developmentally appropriate environment for children of diverse backgrounds throughout the greater Indianapolis area. As an expression of Englewood Christian Church, it is our desire to provide quality, affordable early childhood education for families with children 6 weeks to 12 years old.
Our Philosophy
We believe the purposes of education are to stimulate and encourage the development of the whole child...
-
Intellectually
-
Physically
-
Socially
-
Emotionally
-
Spiritual
​
Our curriculum and activities are consistent with the Indiana Early Learning Standards
Our Goal
We provide holistic learning with the love of Christ being expressed in all that we do.
Your child's experience reflects...
-
Project-based learning and active involvement
-
Age and cognitive appropriateness
-
Developmental relevance
​
In our setting, children have...
-
A safe and stable environment
-
Challenging opportunities to learn activities in literacy, math, art, music, and movement
-
Opportunities for extracurricular activities in creative arts, such as karate and dance​
Meet The Team
Co-Director
Laura started DayStar in 1996 with Lisa. She grew up in East Tennessee, graduated from Johnson University with a degree in Youth Ministry and Children’s Education, and moved to Indianapolis and the Englewood neighborhood after graduation. Before opening DayStar, she worked at the Care Center, a homeless shelter for women and children in what is now Englewood CDC’s Commonwealth Apartments. Laura finished her Administrative Credential from McCormick’s Center for Early Childhood Leadership in 2014 through Indiana State University.
Laura Dyke
Co-Director
Lisa started DayStar in 1996 with Laura Dyke. She grew up in Tennessee and studied Social Work at East Tennessee State University. She moved to Indianapolis with her family in 1993 when her husband became the pastor of Englewood Christian Church. In 2013, she completed an Administrative Credential and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Lisa has 4 grown sons and 13 grandchildren, most of whom live in Englewood! She loves to travel and sneaks off to Ireland every chance she gets.
Lisa Bowling
2-Gen Approach
DayStar is committed to a Two-Generational Approach. This includes:
-
partnering with families as a whole unit
-
providing community support and connection to services for both children and their families.
Our community partners include services for:
-
health
-
financial support
-
workforce development
-
developmental support for children.
Our staff care team includes certified Early Learning Educators, Educational Coaches, and a Family Engagement Coordinator.
By networking with families, we provide them with the care and support necessary to have a healthy and positive early education experience within a strong community. With this foundation in place, when a child is ready for kindergarten, families feel prepared for their next steps.
Accreditations
