Generation Next Child Development Center & Preschool

About Generation Next Child Development Center & Preschool in Johnston, Iowa

At Generation Next Johnston, we provide families with a warm, welcoming community where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Serving children from 6 weeks through 10 years, we encourage exploration, independence, and friendship at every stage.

We believe the early years are the foundation for lifelong learning.

That’s why we combine research-based curriculum, purposeful play, and individualized care to create meaningful experiences every single day. Whether your child is an infant, a toddler, or a budding school-age explorer, Generation Next provides the tools, love, and structure they need to thrive.

Programs Offered at Generation Next Johnston

We offer a full range of child care and early education programs for Johnston families:

Nursery Program (6 Weeks – 6 Months)

Our nursery program supports each baby’s early growth with loving care, gentle activities, and personal attention to their unique needs.

Infant Program (6 Weeks – 12 Months)

Infants enjoy nurturing classrooms filled with language, music, and movement. Teachers follow your child’s schedule and provide one-on-one interactions that build security and confidence.

Toddler Program (12 Months – 2 Years)

Toddlers are active explorers! Our toddler curriculum includes morning language groups, music and movement, sensory bins, fine motor activities, and art projects. Each activity is designed to encourage independence, motor development, and early communication skills.

Preschool Program (2 – 4 Years)

Our preschoolers engage with the Read It Once Again® curriculum, a literature-based approach that uses repetition to reinforce key academic and developmental skills. Lessons cover phonemic awareness, math, writing, social studies, and science. We implement a three-phase structure:

1. Large Group Instruction – introduces weekly concepts
2. Small Group Guidance – allows for teacher interaction
3. Center-Based Play – offers child-led exploration and practice

Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten Readiness (4 – 5 Years)

Pre-K students build kindergarten readiness skills in literacy and math with Heggerty Phonemic Awareness lessons, while also developing confidence, problem-solving abilities, and social-emotional growth.

School-Age Enrichment (5 – 10 Years)

Our “Graduates” enjoy dynamic after-school and summer programs with hands-on learning and fun. Activities include:

• Writing and reading centers
• Creative art stations
• Games and team-building
• Cooking and science labs
  In the summer, we offer themed weekly camps and three field trips per week to enrich every child’s experience.

Our Curriculum Philosophy

Generation Next Johnston follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum that grows with your child. We combine play-based learning with intentional instruction to develop the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Key curriculum components include:

• Read It Once Again®: Literature-based repetition for vocabulary, sequencing, and motor development
• Heggerty Phonemic Awareness: Phonological sound play that supports reading mastery
• STEM Integration: Science, technology, engineering, art, and math infused through sensory play and discovery
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Peer collaboration, empathy, and positive behavior tools

Nutrition & Daily Wellness

We understand the importance of healthy food and active movement for growing minds. Generation Next Johnston provides:

• Freshly prepared meals and snacks daily
• Menus that meet USDA nutritional guidelines
• Allergy accommodations for common food sensitivities
• Daily outdoor play on our secure playgrounds to promote wellness and motor development

Safety & Family Communication

Your child’s safety and your peace of mind are top priorities. That’s why we offer:

• Secured entry systems with keycode access
• Daily health and safety checks
• Continuous monitoring of classrooms and playgrounds
• Open classroom boards displaying the weekly curriculum and classroom goals

Why Families in Johnston, IA Choose Us

• Trusted by Johnston families for over a decade
• Highly trained, compassionate teachers with early childhood credentials
• A balanced approach combining academic readiness and emotional wellness
• A strong partnership with families and the community
• A fun, stimulating, and safe learning environment that kids love

Visit Us Today!

Come see what makes Generation Next Johnston the premier choice for child care and early learning in Johnston, Iowa. We invite you to tour our classrooms, meet our educators, and explore how our curriculum helps children grow with confidence, compassion, and curiosity.