Local Business Focus: Dayton Valley Learning Center
When Christina Davis purchased Dayton Valley Learning Center in January 2020, she wasn’t just buying a building—she was carrying on a local legacy. Founded in 1998 and always operating as a preschool, the center was designed from the ground up to nurture young minds. And as the third owner, Davis has brought that mission forward with her own passion for childhood education. Born and raised in Lake Tahoe, Davis started working with children as a teen babysitter and later as an activities coordinator, going on to get an early childhood education certificate after her dual bachelor's degree program.
“I just love the way children see the world because everything is new, exciting and it’s magical,” Davis stated. “It makes me have a different perspective and really, truly look at life from that magical perspective that they have.”
DVLC has programs for every stage of early childhood. The learning center is licensed for 97 children and staffed with 20 dedicated teachers. With six age-specific classrooms, children grow and learn alongside peers at the same developmental stage—from infants as young as six weeks to pre-K students preparing for kindergarten. The preschool also offers before- and after-school programs for Dayton Elementary students, complete with a van service for pick-up and drop-off.
During school breaks, DVLC’s full-day programs keep kids engaged with age-appropriate activities, including field trips.
“Recently, they went to the Nevada Museum in Carson City and were able to learn about the history of Nevada—we try to keep it localized as well,” Davis said.
While the center follows research-backed, play-based learning, Davis emphasizes that play is far from idle time and children learn best through play and hands-on exploration.
“If a child is playing hopscotch, the general public might think they’re just playing, but really, they’re learning how to count…and learning the order of numbers…gross motor skills,” Davis explained. “We really are trying to educate the parents that yes, they’re playing hopscotch but here’s everything their brain is learning.”
And with 90% of a child’s brain development completed by age five, DVLC makes every moment of building that foundation worthwhile. This also includes a comprehensive curriculum of math, science, creative arts and dramatic play.
Outdoors, the fun continues on two playgrounds—plus a basketball court and a painted racetrack—one play area for toddlers and one for “big” kids, both with developmentally appropriate toys on either side.
As part of the National Food Program, DVLC provides nutritious morning and afternoon snacks following USDA guidelines. Parents receive a monthly menu so they know what is being served, and dietary restrictions are carefully managed. All staff are CPR, First Aid and AED certified, with select staff trained to administer medications.
The learning center believes parent communication is a priority. Teachers use the Lillio app to send photo and message updates during the day, both in-app and via email, ensuring no message gets missed. Parents also receive weekly curriculum updates and a monthly activities newsletter. Events like weekly dress-up “Thursday Wear Days” and National Root Beer Float Day keep families involved and kids excited.
Davis is always looking for ways to enhance the DVLC experience. In May, the preschool partnered with a Reno-based gymnastics provider who brings equipment on-site for weekly enrichment classes.
“It’s not a separate activity where parents are getting off work and now have to go to football then karate then gymnastics,” Davis said. “They actually come to the center once a week for 30 minutes…it’s continuous through the year and parents can sign up anytime.”
In July, DVLC received a four-star rating from Nevada’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), which conducts rigorous statewide reviews every two years (a five-star rating requires national accreditation and only 26 preschools in Nevada have achieved it). When Davis purchased the preschool in 2020, it held a two-star rating.
“It all comes down to the teachers: their dedication, their investment in hands-on training, and coaching and their shared belief in continuously improving early childhood education,” Davis said proudly.
DVLC serves families from Dayton, Carson City, Stagecoach and beyond. They currently have limited openings in some classrooms, with waitlists in others. Davis encourages interested families to schedule a tour.
“The tour is really important—we want to make sure the parents/guardians have the ability to come in, ask questions and see the facility in its entirety,” Davis explained. “We also want the kiddo to come because we want them to feel comfortable in that classroom environment.”
When the new Lyon County school year begins Sept 2, children will “move up” to their next age group together, mirroring the public school system. Then during the October open house (date TBD), students will be able to show their families all the cool things they get to do at preschool.
For Davis, it all comes back to one goal: “To continuously improve the quality of childcare services for our community.” At Dayton Valley Learning Center, that goal is met daily—with care, creativity and a little bit of magic.
DVLC is part of Nevada’s Child Care Subsidy Program – visit www.childrenscabinet.org to check eligibility. Contact DVLC at 775-246-5111 and Office@DaytonValleyChildcare.com. Follow Dayton Valley Learning center on Facebook for pictures, events and announcements.
