Morning Star Child Care is a loving, family-run home where your child will learn, laugh, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Serving Merced families — infants through preschool.
A warm, family-run child care experience for children ages 0–6 in Merced, California.
Morning Star Child Care was recognized as the Best Child Care in Merced by BusinessRate — powered by Google Reviews. This award reflects the trust and love of every family who has chosen us.
Morning Star Child Care was founded by a husband and wife team right here in Merced, California — because we believe every child deserves a second home that feels just as warm and safe as their own.
We started this business out of a passion for early childhood development and a deep commitment to the families of our community. We care for children ages 0 through 6 (Kindergarten), giving each little one the individual attention and love they deserve.
When your child is with us, they are part of our family.
Our caring team is dedicated to making every child feel safe, loved, and excited to learn each day.
With over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Certification, Mrs. Heidy brings unmatched expertise, warmth, and dedication to every child in her care.
Energetic and nurturing, she creates a positive environment where children feel comfortable exploring, learning, and growing every single day. Mrs. April is currently enrolled in ECE classes, deepening her knowledge and passion for early childhood education.
A dedicated team member who makes sure every child's day is filled with fun, learning, and plenty of smiles. Ms. J holds an AA in Child Development, bringing both academic knowledge and heartfelt dedication to Morning Star every day.
As owner and administrative director, Mr. Adrian is dedicated to making every parent's experience as stress-free as possible. With great communication skills and an open-door approach, he ensures families always feel informed, supported, and confident that their child is in the best hands.
From pumpkin patches to Easter egg hunts — we celebrate every season with fun, hands-on experiences that children and families will never forget.
Every fall, our Morning Star kids pile on for our beloved pumpkin patch trip! Children pick their own pumpkins, explore the farm, and enjoy a day full of seasonal fun and fall memories.

























At Morning Star, we follow a Montessori-inspired approach to early childhood education. Led by Mrs. Heidy — a certified Montessori teacher with over 25 years of experience — our curriculum encourages independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, child-led exploration.
The safety of every child in our care is our highest priority. Every teacher and teacher's aide at Morning Star is CPR certified, giving parents total peace of mind knowing their little ones are in capable, trained, and caring hands at all times.
At Morning Star, we embrace the gift of language! Our staff is fluent in both English and Spanish, creating a warm and inclusive environment for all families. We also introduce children to basic sign language, building early communication skills in a fun and engaging way.
From tummy time for babies to pre-K readiness for preschoolers — we offer a full range of care for every stage of early childhood.
Gentle, attentive care for babies from birth. Nurturing routines, tummy time, and lots of love.
Structured play and exploration for curious toddlers. We support language, motor skills, and social growth.
Fun, hands-on activities that prepare children for kindergarten — letters, numbers, colors & more.
Fresh air, physical activity, and exploration in a safe outdoor play space every day.
Nutritious, age-appropriate snacks and meals provided throughout the day.
Flexible hours to accommodate working parents and varying family schedules.
Child-led, hands-on learning inspired by the Montessori philosophy — nurturing independence and curiosity.
Every teacher and aide is CPR certified — because your child's safety is always our top priority.
Don't just take our word for it — here's what some of the parents in our Morning Star family have to say.
Morning Star has been such a blessing for our family. Our daughter absolutely loves going every day. The care and attention she receives is unmatched — she has grown so much!
I felt at ease the very first day I dropped my son off. The providers truly treat the children like their own. I highly recommend Morning Star to any family in Merced!
Flexible schedule, warm environment, and incredible communication with parents. My kids have thrived here. We feel like part of the Morning Star family!
We'd love to meet you and your little one! Fill out the enrollment form and we'll be in touch to schedule a tour and discuss availability.
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out within 24 hours!