childcare in myrtle beach:
the learning station
Donna Jensen and The Learning Station are two names you’ll want to know if you’re looking for childcare in Myrtle Beach. The Learning Station is the premier childcare facility in the Grand Strand with 3 locations serving kids from 6 weeks old up to 12 years old.
history and vision
Donna Jensen is the founder, CEO and visionary of THE LEARNING STATION. To look at her today you’d have a hard time envisioning her humble roots but her success did not come overnight.
Donna began serving children and families over 30 years ago as an in-home child care provider. She went on to found and lead a large church-based childcare center licensed for 300 students.
Donna Jensen, Founder & CEO of The Learning Station, is an award-winning childcare facility owner, conference speaker and business coach for others in the industry.
In 2003 she opened The Learning Station which quickly grew into the 3 facilities she has today. She has poured herself into creating the most loving spaces for kids, the most well-trained and supported staff, and now coaches other childcare facility owners. She is a sought-after leader in the childcare space with many awards and accolades including the prestigous “Owner of the Year” award given by the Child Care Success Academy.
The Learning Station is now a family-run business with several of Donna’s children holding key roles and her own grandchildren enrolled in full-time care! She now spends her days balancing the important roles of mom, grandmother, CEO, conference presenter, business coach, and mastermind leader.
CORE VALUES & MORE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
CORE VALUES | The Learning Station ties everything back to their core values of excellence, innovation, kindness, family, fun and positivity.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS & FAITH-BASED CURRICULUM | The pairing of Frog Street Curriculum and STEAM programming ensures kids are ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.
PARTNERING WITH PARENTS | The team regularly shares progressive insights, innovative ideas and best practices with parents to support them. They also work with any outside speech and behavioral therapies a child has or needs.
PLAY IS LEARNING | Kids are always learning through play so ample time is provided for exploring their beautiful playgrounds, mini-waterpark, and basketball court.
3 things that make the learning station unique
LIVE CAMERAS | Their facilities are equipped with live cameras in all classrooms and playgrounds. These provide parents with the most peace of mind possible.
INVESTMENT IN STAFF | The childcare industry is notorious for overworked and underpaid staff. The Learning Station is fighting to change that –– they strive to pay employees the highest wages possible, reward them through regular staff appreciation initiatives, and invest in staff training and development. In fact, The Learning Station holds a 3-day conference for all 85+ staff where they focus on training, team building, and motivation through outside speakers.
INVESTMENT IN FACILITIES & RESOURCES | If you take a walk around their facilities you’ll see signs of intentionality and investment at every turn –– cleanliness, well-stocked toy shelves, new books, kid artwork, healthy meals, security measures, incredible playgrounds, and more. Each classroom is a wonderland for kids full of open-ended play items, cozy reading nooks, and tables, chairs, and cubbies just for them and so much more. Most of their materials are natural to lessen overwhelming stimuli and encourage more creativity.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
CARE FOR KIDS UP TO 12 YEARS OLD | Daycare (for infants, ages 6 weeks to 2 years old), Preschool (for kids ages 3–5), after-school care, and summer camp care (for ages 5–12). Their spaces fill up quickly so be sure to reach out early!
TUITION ASSISTANCE | Many families qualify for assistance through tax credits, subsidies or other employee assistance benefits. The staff always recommends inquiring and applying!
REVIEWS FROM OTHER PARENTS | Read any of their 297 5-star reviews to see just how pleased local parents are with the care and support they receive from The Learning Station.
DONNA’S GUIDE ON PICKING A CHILDCARE FACILITY | With the true heart of a teacher, Donna has a quick e-book that is full of tips when picking a childcare facility. It’s full of questions to ask, things to look for while on tours, and general parenting tips for someone with 30+ years of experience with hundreds of kids.
