About Us
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and explore. We believe in making every day a magical journey of discovery and learning for every child.
Our Story
In the heart of our tight-knit Plattsmouth community, the seeds of Magical Adventures Discovery Center were planted in 2021, born out of a shared vision and a pressing need we saw in the community. As residents and passionate advocates for early childhood development, we noticed a gap in quality childcare and early educational opportunities for our youngest members of our community. The idea was simple yet profound: create a nurturing, innovative space where children could not only grow and learn but thrive.
Our journey began with the search for the perfect location. We wanted a place that felt like a second home; safe, accessible, and ripe with potential for creating magical learning experiences. After years of searching, finding places that eventually fell through for one reason or another, we found an ideal spot that ticked all the boxes, nestled within the community we love. It was more than just a location; it was a promise of what could be!
Embarking full time on this venture in late 2023, we set out to acquire and transform this space into a state-of-the-art facility. Our vision was clear: to craft an environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. We're pouring our hearts and souls into building out a facility that reflects our values and aspirations. From spacious, light-filled classrooms to engaging outdoor play areas, every detail is designed with the well-being and development of children in mind.
As we stand on the threshold of opening in mid 2024, Magical Adventures Discovery Center is more than just a daycare; it's a beacon for our community's future. It represents hope, commitment, and the collective dream of providing our children with the best possible start in life. We are dedicated to filling this need in our community, offering a place where children are cherished, and learning is an adventure.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we prepare to open our doors and welcome you to the Magical Adventures Discovery Center family. Together, we will create a place where children can explore, discover, and achieve their fullest potential.
Our Philosophy of Education
At Magical Adventures Discovery Center, our philosophy of education is rooted in a profound belief in the limitless potential of every child. Inspired by one of our co-owners, a dedicated college professor and a passionate advocate for early education, our approach is grounded in the principles of discovery, exploration, and personalized learning.
We recognize that each child's journey is unique, and as such, our educational framework is designed to be flexible, adaptive, and responsive to the individual needs, interests, and curiosities of our young learners. While we may not start with a set curriculum as we open due to staffing, we are committed to providing a rich, stimulating environment that encourages children to explore their world with confidence and creativity.
Our goal is to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning, fostering intellectual growth through play, inquiry, and hands-on experiences. We believe in the power of nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning from the earliest stages of development. This approach not only prepares children for academic success but also cultivates social, emotional, and physical well-being.
As we look to the future, we are excited to expand our offerings into preschool education opportunities. Our vision is to create a seamless educational pathway that supports each child's growth from infancy through preschool, laying the groundwork for a smooth transition into formal schooling. This expansion will be guided by the latest research in early childhood education and the innovative spirit of our team, ensuring that our programs remain at the forefront of educational excellence.
At Magical Adventures Discovery Center, we are more than just a daycare; we are a community of educators, families, and children, coming together to create a world of discovery and joy. Together, we embark on a journey of endless possibilities, where learning is an adventure, and every day brings a new opportunity to explore, grow, and imagine.
Meet Our Founders and Team
At Magical Adventures Discovery Center, our team is at the heart of everything we do. Each member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and passions to our community, united by a shared commitment to providing exceptional care and education for children. Let's introduce you to the visionaries and leaders who make Magical Adventures a place where young minds flourish.
Michelle Nekuda - Co-Founder & Educational Visionary
Michelle Nekuda is not only a distinguished college professor, HR manager by trade, and a fervent advocate for early childhood education but also the heart behind the inception of Magical Adventures Discovery Center. Her academic career, devoted to molding the educators of tomorrow, reflects her deep commitment to the transformative power of education from the earliest years. Recognizing the critical need for a nurturing, exploratory learning environment in our community, Michelle spearheaded the mission to bring Magical Adventures to life.
Beyond her educational leadership, Michelle also steers our Human Resources, bringing her insight into team building and professional development to the forefront of our operations. Her role in HR is pivotal, ensuring that our center attracts and retains the most passionate, dedicated, and qualified educators and staff. Michelle's dual expertise in education and HR enriches our center's culture, fostering an environment where staff are supported in their professional growth while they contribute to the holistic development of the children in our care.
Holly Nekuda - Co-Founder & Director in Training
Holly Nekuda brings to our team a wealth of experience from her background in healthcare, paired with a lifelong passion for childcare. Making a significant career transition, Holly's dedication to fostering a safe and loving environment for children is the cornerstone of her role at Magical Adventures. As our Director in Training, she is keenly focused on integrating health and wellness into our daily operations, ensuring that the physical and emotional needs of our children are met with the utmost care and professionalism.
Evan Nekuda - Co-Founder & Operations Specialist
Evan Nekuda might prefer a more behind-the-scenes role, but his contributions are anything but minor. Overseeing building maintenance, financial operations, and IT/Security, Evan ensures that Magical Adventures runs smoothly and securely. His meticulous attention to the operational aspects of our center allows the rest of the team to focus on what they do best—caring for and educating our children. Evan's commitment to creating a safe, efficient, and technologically advanced environment is key to our success.
Joce Nekuda - Director
Joce Nekuda brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the Director of our daycare. With a strong background in early childhood daycare operations and a deep commitment to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment, Joce is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for every child. She believes in creating a supportive atmosphere where children can thrive, learn, and grow. Joce's approach is centered around collaboration with parents, personalized attention for each child, and a focus on both emotional and cognitive development. Her leadership ensures that our daycare is a place where children feel safe, loved, and excited to explore the world around them.
Tiffany Norris - Early Childhood Education Consultant
Tiffany Norris is a name well-known in the local early childhood education community and serves as our Early Childhood Education Consultant. Bringing her extensive experience and knowledge to our daycare on a consulting basis thanks to her successful leadership of two daycares in Omaha and Bellevue. As a cousin to Evan and niece to Michelle, Tiffany's joining our team brings not only her extensive experience and master's degree in early childhood education but also a familial bond that strengthens our center's foundation. Serving as our Interim Director, Tiffany is instrumental in shaping our curriculum, training our staff, and mentoring Holly to ensure a seamless transition in leadership. Her guidance is invaluable as we strive to offer an unparalleled early learning experience at Magical Adventures. Her consultative approach focuses on curriculum development, staff training, and creating enriching environments that promote growth and learning. We are grateful to have Tiffany's ongoing support and expertise to help us deliver the best possible care and education.
What Sets Us Apart: A Unique Haven for Childhood Discovery
The Premier Childcare Destination: Magical Adventures Discovery Center proudly stands as the largest childcare center in our city, setting a new standard for early childhood education and care. Our unparalleled size and comprehensive services offer families a unique and enriching environment that cannot be found elsewhere in the community.
Space to Explore and Grow: Our facility has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of children from infancy through preschool. With spacious classrooms, state-of-the-art learning resources, and extensive outdoor play areas, we ensure that every child has the room to explore, play, and discover in a safe and stimulating setting.
A Comprehensive Approach to Childcare: MADC provides a holistic childcare experience that blends educational excellence with nurturing care. Our programs are tailored to foster intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development, preparing children for a lifetime of learning and growth.
Dedicated and Highly Qualified Staff: Our administrative team, with profound expertise in childcare, education, healthcare, and operational management, is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. Each staff member is carefully selected and trained to ensure the highest standards of care and education.
Innovative and Flexible Programs: Recognizing the dynamic needs of modern families, we offer flexible scheduling options and we hope to begin offering a variety of programs that go beyond traditional daycare. From early educational opportunities to specialized workshops and extracurricular activities, we aim to provide a rich and varied curriculum that caters to the individual interests and developmental stages of each child.
Community and Family Engagement: At MADC, we believe in the power of community. We are not just a daycare; we are a family-centered hub that actively fosters connections among families, staff, and the broader community. Through regular events, workshops, and open communication, we create a supportive network that enriches our children's learning experience and supports families in their parenting journey.
A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation: Our mission to offer the best possible start for our children drives continuous improvement and innovation in our programs and facilities. We stay abreast of the latest in early childhood education research and technology, ensuring that our center leads the way in providing a forward-thinking, evidence-based approach to childcare.
Our Vision for the Future
At Magical Adventures Discovery Center, we envision a future where every child in Plattsmouth and beyond has access to high-quality childcare and early education. Our journey began with the establishment of a unique and comprehensive childcare center that sets new standards for excellence, innovation, and care. As we look forward, our ambitions soar even higher, aiming not just to sustain but significantly expand our impact on early childhood development.
Expanding Our Home Base: In the near term, we are committed to growing our facility in Plattsmouth, enhancing our capacity to serve more families while enriching our programs and services. This expansion will allow us to introduce new, innovative learning environments and play areas, further diversifying the educational experiences we offer. By investing in our physical space and technological resources, we will continue to create an environment where children can safely explore, learn, and thrive.
Bringing Magical Adventures to New Communities: Looking beyond our immediate horizon, we see Magical Adventures Discovery Center as a beacon of early childhood education in neighboring communities. We recognize the acute need for quality childcare and education in areas beyond our city limits, and we are poised to meet this challenge. Our goal is to replicate our successful model in other nearby towns, adapting to local needs while maintaining the high standards and core values that define us.
Building Partnerships for Broader Impact: Achievement of our vision relies not only on physical expansion but also on deepening connections within our communities. We aim to foster partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations to create a cohesive support network for families. These collaborations will enable us to offer a more integrated approach to early childhood education, ensuring that children and their families receive comprehensive support and resources.
Embracing Innovation and Continuous Improvement: As we grow, our commitment to innovation and excellence remains unwavering. We will continually seek out and incorporate the latest research and best practices in early childhood education into our curriculum and operations. By embracing change and striving for continuous improvement, we ensure that Magical Adventures remains at the forefront of the field, offering the best possible start for children in our care.
A Future Where Every Child Thrives: Our vision is a future where the foundations of lifelong learning, creativity, and well-being are laid in the earliest years of a child's life. Through expansion and innovation, Magical Adventures Discovery Center will continue to be a place where families find support, children discover their potential, and communities come together to celebrate and nurture the next generation.