937-607-9694
My Sweet Second Home's Preschool Program
Looking for a preschool that feels like home—and lays the foundation for a lifetime love of learning? Our private, small preschool offers a unique, nurturing experience for children ages 2.5 to 5, blending the gentle rhythm of the Peaceful Preschool Curriculum with a Montessori-inspired environment that encourages independence, creativity, and confidence.
Marigold Class
Meets Mondays & Wednesdays | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Clover Class
Meets Tuesdays & Thursdays | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Here’s what sets us apart:
🌿 Home-Based Comfort, Big Learning Opportunities
Children thrive in our calm, cozy setting that feels like an extension of your family. With a small group size, each child receives personal attention and builds meaningful relationships.
📚 Purposeful, Playful Learning
We combine hands-on activities, nature-based play, early literacy and math, and real-life skills to help your child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
🕒 Flexible, Family-Friendly Hours
We’re open Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, offering a consistent routine that’s perfect for young children—and for parents looking for a balanced schedule.
🌱 A Gentle Start to Lifelong Learning
Our program encourages curiosity, respect, and joy in the learning process, helping your child feel confident and prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
We are proud to provide a warm, home-like setting where children feel safe, supported and inspired every day.
About MSSH:
Established in August 2019 and located in East Dayton, our private preschool offers a nurturing and thoughtfully prepared environment for children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. The owner, Elyse, has over 12 years of experience working closely with infants and young children—including professional nannying and early childhood care—I’ve created a space where your child will feel truly safe, seen and supported. I take the safety and well-being of every child seriously. You can count on me to provide attentive, high-quality care.
*Note, the door on the left side is our entrance.
Meet the owner/teacher
Updated as of May 2025
Hi, I’m Elyse — the heart behind My Sweet Second Home! I’m 26 years old, a mama to two little ones (a spunky toddler and a sweet newborn), and I’ve been devoted to nurturing children both personally and professionally for over a decade. I opened my home preschool at just 20 years old and creating a space that feels like a second home for little ones has been my greatest joy. At My Sweet Second Home, our days are rooted in rhythm and wonder. Inspired by the Montessori approach and guided by the gentle structure of The Peaceful Preschool curriculum, I focus on nurturing the whole child — their body, mind, and heart. I believe children thrive when they feel seen, safe, and empowered to explore at their own pace. We spend our mornings with hands-on learning, meaningful play, and simple, beautiful routines that help children feel grounded and confident. In addition to teaching, I’m also a birth and postpartum doula! Whether it’s through play, stories, or quiet connection, I consider it an honor to hold space for these early years — for both the children and their families. Thank you for considering our little school as part of your child’s journey.
A few fun facts about me:
• My perfect day starts with a big homemade breakfast, a long walk in nature with my family and finishing the evening snuggling on the couch.
• My favorite food is pizza! (Though I’m allergic to dairy — so mine’s cheese-less!) Fun fact: My parents owned a pizzeria in Centerville when I was growing up.
• I’m deeply passionate about motherhood, birth, and postpartum care.
Testimonials
This is our first experience with putting our two year old in daycare. I was so nervous! Elyse is literally the best. We went in to check the space out ahead of time. As soon as she opened the door my son ran and gave her a hug. He doesn't normally run up to strangers and hug them. His first week of care was so smooth. He would get excited to go, run to get his stuff and give her a hug. By the second week he realized I wasn't coming with and would get sad before going. Little bit of separation anxiety, but even with his tears Elyse was so quick and gentle to calm him down and help him still have a wonderful day! Her prices are beyond reasonable, the kids are all similar ages, so my son is able to play and learn with a group of kids his own age.
The best part- the whole experience has helped him start talking! He is a little speech delayed, but being around all the other kids his own age and with Elyse's wonderful day to day lessons he has started speaking so well!
We are beyond blessed to have found this place! 10/10 would recommend!
Ashley W.
My daughters (now aged 3 and 4) were with Elyse for right around one year before they both started at a Montessori preschool center, and I wish we had found her sooner! She was so warm and sweet with my girls, and neither of them ever let me forget how much they love her. It is so reassuring as a parent to know you are dropping your kids off to someone who loves and cares for them as much as you do, and sending them to My Sweet Second Home was exactly that!
Elyse embraces the Montessori way of learning and worked with each child to reach milestones and grow at their pace. She was patient with us during potty training and flexible with our needs. She is an all-around excellent choice for childcare, and if my girls hadn’t aged out, they would still be there! Since we left, I haven’t stopped recommending her to my friends and coworkers looking for care.
Miranda F.
My daughter goes to My Sweet Second Home and absolutely loves it. After touring all the daycare’s in my area, I didn’t think any of them would be a good fit for my daughter. My Sweet Second Home is a little further out from work and home but has been has been worth every penny. The environment here is what makes it great, they are never overcrowded so you get a more personal experience. I wanted my daughter to learn how to interact with other children and not feel overwhelmed. She has learned so much in just a few months of being here thanks to the amazing teachers! I highly recommend My Sweet Second Home to anyone looking for a daycare that won’t overstimulate your child with a chaotic environment. It’s calm and comfortable just like a second home
Sydney J.
"I was scared to put my son in childcare but after sitting down and talking to her, she eased my fears. Seeing how happy my son is when we pick him up reassures me that she does a fantastic job. She communicates everything she does with him throughout the day and sends pictures letting me know how hes doing. She is a perfect fit for childcare."
Natasha A.
When it was time to put our (now almost 1 year old!) son in daycare, it was a very difficult decision. He had been in the hospital for 6 months, and had health issues that meant he couldn't just go anywhere for daycare. I called several providers that just didn't seem to be able to provide attentive care. The first time I spoke to this one, however, wow! SO knowledgeable and caring. Every day since then, she has been nothing short of amazing. Incredibly attentive, very informative, and always willing to work with parents and assist with the child's needs. And maybe, the most pleasant person ever! I'll be the first to say, I've had years of experience in social service, and years as a police officer; you're really not going to find a better provider than MSSH. I would give this 10 out of 10 stars for sure.