Hello, my name is Donna Dionne and I am the owner of Morning Sun Child Care Services. I have devoted much of my life to the interest of children and believe that the sun rises and sets with the innocence and love of children. This home based care provides a pre-school program using Montessori teaching methods, art class, music, stimulating activities, and loving care. The curriculum also includes life skills, potty training, and manners. Learning about organic gardening and nature are an important part of our summer activities. We are committed to serving all natural/organic meals and snacks. A hot lunch is served almost every day. Children are encouraged to be all that they can be with respect and integrity for themselves and others. Through their individual journey they achieve their goals with self-confidence and self-discipline in a place where learning is fun. Endorsed as an Eco-healthy child care program, and a member of Maine Roads to Quality for early care and education. We are located in downtown Brunswick 5 minutes from Cook's Corner, and walking distance to downtown. Open some holidays and most snow days.
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| Review by jtaylorcook on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 5:01:02 AM |
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| We were visiting Maine for a few weeks and wanted a few days to ourselves. We have a 15-month old daughter. Dawna was amazing. Our daughter Wilder loved being over there. The other kids were great with her and we even met a few of the other parents. We felt very safe with Wilder being over there and will do it again in years to come. Thank you so much Dawna. Great neighborhood, safe area and house. |
| Review by Lauren and Aaro on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 3:44:44 PM |
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| My son attended Morning Sun for over 2 years, ages 20 months to almost 4. The entire experience was exactly what we were looking for. Donna provided a home away from home. She is kind, loving and energetic. I trusted her immediately with the care of my child. I love that Donna provides healthy lunch and snacks as well as tons of outdoor play time.
Donna is an A+ childcare provider and we were so lucky to have found her! |
| Review by Alycia Pelkey on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 4:40:36 PM |
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| My daughter, Rylie attended Ms. Donna's daycare during the summer and we loved our experience! She's a sweet woman who takes each kid under her wing. My daughter really enjoyed reading time, and being outside with the kids and the fun tunnels and toys she'd have outside. She only feeds them organic food. She has a lot of patience, and always says no thank you! to tell them their behavior isn't acceptable. Definitely would recommend to others :) |
| Review by Staci Nall on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 11:30:22 AM |
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| Your child will be taken care of here.
We were new to the Brunswick area and needed someplace that I could trust to take care of my two-year-old little girl. I was very lucky to have found Donna (Morning Sun) and very happy with how she was treated and cared for. You will find a friend here. |
| Review by Matt Cunio on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 5:19:08 PM |
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| We cannot recommend Miss Donna highly enough! Leaving our son in her care feels the same as dropping him off at a trusted family member’s home. We know he is safe, loved, and well fed, in addition to getting a day structured with plenty of quality learning activities, life skills practice, and time for free imaginative play. Miss Donna has also been an incredible support and resource for us as parents. Her guidance, patience, and knowledge are such a comfort for our entire family. Our oldest son has been with Miss Donna for 1.5 years (age 2 – 3.5) and will be heading to pre-school soon but we are so happy to be able to continue our relationship with Morning Sun with our next two kids! |
| Review by J Boron on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 7:38:55 AM |
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| My wife and I can't say enough wonderful things about Morning Sun, and we don't have to because our three boys say it themselves. Ms. Donna has taken on our oldest son and most recently our 2.5yr old twins (no small task!). They love being there, don't want to leave, and regularly ask to go back. It's a wonderful and well structured learning environment, and Morning Sun takes great care to feed the children incredible, organic quality meals. Definitely not something you will find just anywhere! The children are constantly encouraged to learn and develop in a loving and caring environment. We can't recommend Ms. Donna and Morning Sun enough! |
| Review by third times a c on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 6:28:13 AM |
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| I've been lucky to have my children with Ms. Donna & Mr. Scott for a bit over a year. While bringing them here, I have always known that they are loved, well fed, and safe. Morning Sun is a home day care and we're greeted daily by a loving doggy & her bunny friends. In the warm months, kids spend lots of time outside enjoying the sandbox, trucks, tents & gardens. The food is always healthy, and the kids do lots of playing. We will miss the warm greetings, the love and the thoughtful care at Morning Sun! |
| Review by Tia on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 8:28:21 AM |
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| We are extremely fortunate to have had Miss Donna care for our son. Donna has a heart full of love, wonderful teaching abilities and patience. She offers a lot to the children – creative play, imagination, plenty of time outside and healthy and organic food. Our son always felt comfortable there and looked forward to the next day. It was bittersweet when he graduated, we miss her dearly. |
| Review by Andrew on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 10:10:14 AM |
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| I can not say enough good things about Miss Donna at Morning Sun Child Care. My daughter and now son have both graduated from Miss Donna's after a combined 5 years. Miss Donna's is caring, calm and creative. She strikes a balance between free play, leaving room for imagination, and structured time. Food choices are very healthy. Indoor and outdoor activities are chosen thoughtfully. My son always looked forward to spending time there with Miss Donna and his little friends. |
| Review by Happy Mom on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 7:50:32 PM |
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| Morning Sun was the perfect place for our four year old to transition to a day care. Donna took the time to interview us to make sure it was a good fit for her and us, which I found to be important for everyone involved. Her home was always very organized and clean, she was attentive with the children and was great about sharing how our son's day was. I felt safe and comfortable with leaving my child with her. He was always exhausted and happy when I picked him up at the end of the day! I highly recommend Morning Sun Child Care Services!! |
| Review by PTZ on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 6:08:51 PM |
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| Donna is an amazing, caring person. Our son has been there for one year and she has done a great job taking care of him and being a part of his life. To illustrate how terrific of a women she is, Donna learned how to take care of my son who was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes this past year. She took on the challenge to learn and understand my son’s needs concerning his health and I never once questioned her ability in doing so. She took time out of her day for me to “train” her and she always kept me informed. Not many would have done the same. Donna feeds the kids healthier food, gets the kids outdoors whenever possible, and teaches them music, letters, numbers, etc. My son has always felt comfortable, happy, and excited to be there. I can tell you how happy we are with Donna and the care she has given our son. I highly recommend her! |
| Review by Christine on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 7:19:15 AM |
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| Ms. Donna is a women who has a gift with toddlers. Our daughter has attended Morning Sun for nearly a year now (age 20 months-2.5), and what a wonderful experience it has been. She had not attended a regular daycare before Ms. Donna's, and we felt so lucky to find a loving and nurturing environment to help her through this adjustment. Ms. Donna showed love and patience with her and helped her to grow into an independent and confident toddler. Our daughter has a milk allergy and Ms. Donna has been very accommodating and careful to read packaging labels and provide alternative foods whenever needed. She provides all organic, healthy food for the children that my daughter loves. Ms. Donna is attentive to the needs of each individual child. She pays close attention to the developmental stages of each child and has been a wealth of great advice to us with everything from how to help our daughter adjust to the birth of her little brother to how to help her potty train successfully. The children in her care are taught to respect each other, to clean up after themselves, and to use good manners. Ms. Donna makes an effort to know about any challenges that the children are facing at home (whether a cold or a parent who is traveling for work) so that each day she can be sensitive to the needs of the kids. I could not ask for a better home to bring my daughter. We will truly miss her, but sadly are moving too far to continue bringing our daughter to Morning Sun. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to any friend or parent. |
| Review by Minihans on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 4:08:50 PM |
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| Our experience at Morning Sun Childcare was WONDERFUL. Our son attended from age 1.5-3.5. During this time he was cared for in a way that complimented our parenting style. Miss Donna is a wonderful and patient teacher who prioritizes classroom learning as well as lessons of independence and respect. Our son left her care poised for Preeschool. She is an open communicator which made it easy for us to work with her on our son's growth. She has created a loving environment in which children learn a great deal and grow emotionally. We all greatly enjoyed our time with Miss Donna and would highly recommend her as a child care provider. |
| Review by Michelle & Jim on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 7:44:04 AM |
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| Ms. Donna has a special gift with kids. At other daycares you may see children crying that they do not want to be there, that they do not want their parents to leave. Ms. Donna has a warm heart and an ability to connect with each child so they feel secure and welcome, and scenes such as these are very rare. Our daughter *adored* Ms. Donna for the year that we lived in Brunswick (from age ~18 mo to 2.5) and could never wait to go; now that we have moved we still travel the 1.5 hours round trip to bring her to Ms. Donna's whenever her preschool is closed and Ms. Donna has the space. Our daughter always checks in with us every week or so to make sure that she will get to visit Ms. Donna and her friends again soon!
Ms. Donna keeps her home spotless and organized, and keeps the kids in line with appropriate firmness. It is also nice to know that she feeds the kids good quality, organiz food, and is also open to other dietary adjustments as necessary.
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| Review by TH on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 9:54:51 AM |
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| My son just completed a year and a half at Miss Donna's Morning Sun Child care. She was our top choice because her home felt most like our home. Her consistency, fairness, kindness, way of speaking to the children and teaching style not only helped my son blossom, but taught me new and better ways of interacting with him myself. Miss Donna has brought various life experiences together to provide children and parents true quality in care that can't be beat! Other perks: small number of kids, organic and healthy lunch and snacks, outside time, limited number of toys available at any one time, rotation of toys, "circle time"/learning time with books, cards, games, songs and dance and always working with children toward their own independence. Miss Donna is a perfect mix of discipline and love for the children she cares for. |
| Review by TCG on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 7:19:51 PM |
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| We have nothing but praise for Donna Dionne and the Morning Sun childcare program. As other reviewers mention, Miss Donna's house is indeed immaculate, the menu served is organic and thoughtfully designed (with careful consideration of US dietary recommendations for children), her daily activities are stimulating and varied, and her program provides considered structure, appropriate discipline and guidance for the children in her home. Upon meeting Miss Donna, we realized our son would not only be exposed to a wonderful childcare program, but would spend his Friday mornings with someone quite exceptional. My husband and I have recently lived in several countries around the world, and have met a true variety of people. We both feel that Miss Donna is one of the most impressive people we have ever come accross. Her strong sense of integrity, life experience, work ethic and genuine love for the children for whom she cares allows the children in Miss Donna's program to learn and thrive.
Although our older son has "graduated" from Miss Donna's, we will not look further than Morning Sun when choosing childcare for our younger son. |
| Review by caringmom on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 1:32:36 PM |
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| Our son has been at Miss Donna's (Morning Sun) for over 7 months and is happy and thriving. Morning Sun is an exceptional home daycare among so many mediocre options. The children enjoy hot, homemade lunches made with all organic ingredients and nutritious and healthy snacks. Days are filled with balanced amounts of play time and learning time. Miss Donna is a loving influence who values good manners, respect for others, and respect for parents' wishes. I would recommend Morning Sun to any parent looking for quality care and education in a cozy home environment. |
| Review by nan mack on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 9:55:17 AM |
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| Donna Dionne is the proprietor of this wonderful in home childcare center located in Brunswick, ME. She is amazing with children, I find her to be the perfect combination of kindness and discipline. All meals and snacks are organic. Her home is immaculate. Donna takes the time each day to send a hand written note home with every child relaying how the childs day went, what they eat, how much fun they had, what special projects they might have worked on, and if they had any behavioral problems. All other relative information for that day regarding the wellbeing of your child is included. My own daughter went to childcare at Morning Sun Childcare and one of the loveliest contributions that we noticed in her behavior was that she would come home saying Thank You, Sorry and Please! Our family loved it. Miss Donna Teaches the kid’s patience, self love, respect and kindness all in a very fun loving environment. |
| Review by Picky Parents on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 1:14:43 PM |
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| Miss Donna's has become our daughter's home away from home. She has created a secure and inviting environment for kiddos to develop and play. Our daughter has transitioned easily into her routine at Morning Sun and enjoys her time there. The food Miss Donna provides is similar to the way we eat at home; snacks and meals are healthy and well balanced. Each evening when we pick her up, we get a detailed report of our daughter's day so we don't feel like we are missing out on her experiences. We are very happy with Morning Sun for many reasons but most importantly because our daughter loves it there. Thank you Miss Donna! |
| Review by etb on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 6:45:44 AM |
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| My son was one of the first children Miss Donna took into her home, and her heart, as she established Morning Sun Child Care Services. I echo what the other reviewers have posted. Now in 2nd grade, my son still loves Miss Donna, his memories of being cared for and attended to in her home. She is a fabulous role model, patient and consistent and clear in conveying her expectations, and quick to praise. A good teacher, she brings her consistent, patient approach to helping with the development of positive social skills alongside a solid pre-school foundation. She is also attentive to continuing her own education. Any family would be lucky to have Donna Dionne as a part of their "extended family" in child-rearing. |
| Review by Jen in Portland on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 5:34:32 AM |
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| Our 3 year-old daughter has been going to Morning Sun for over a year. Donna is an exceptional individual. She is caring, creative and responsible. The children enjoy home-cooked, organic meals in an environment that is ideal for learning and discovery. There is a large yard with a sand box and beautiful organic vegetable gardens. I just can't say enough about Morning Sun. My 7 month-old son will attend when he is old enough. |
| Review by Hanétha on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 7:32:08 AM |
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| Miss Donna is assuredly the most reliable, trustworthy and caring care giver I know.
These past four years, it has been a true pleasure, a joy and very rewarding entrusting her with my daughter whose second home is definitely Miss Donna's.
I particularly appreciate Donna's respectful and sophisticated manners which the kids can emulate, the healthy organic food she serves and most of all the special and personal attention she gives to each of them.
Morning Sun Child Care Services is undeniably one of the best child care services in the Brunswick area. |
| Review by js on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 2:41:04 AM |
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| Donna is an extremely caring childcare provider. My daughter was there for 3 years and can't stop talking about her, even though she has started school this year. Miss Donna has a wonderful way of showing children what it means to be responsible, caring and attentive to the needs of others. She has also incorporated some Montessori methods recently, and thus has found creative ways to teach children independence. The attention to the needs of children is also reflected in her choice of food. The kids get a home-cooked organic meal at lunch every day. I would highly recommend her. |
| Review by hh on Monday, April 19, 2010 at 1:33:32 PM |
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| My son has been going to Morning Sun for two years; he started when he was under two years old. I can't say enough about the care my son has received there. Miss Donna has created an environment where my son is happy, confident, comfortable and loved. She has a knack of recognizing and encouraging the best in each individual child. All of this, combined with the fact that she serves delicious organic food and snacks, makes it easy for me to highly recommend her without hesitation!
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| Review by choosymom on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 6:54:07 PM |
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| As an extremely choosy mom, I highly recommend Morning Sun Child Care Services.
My 3 yo son has attended for almost a year & he loves going to see 'Miss Donna' and his friends every day. I love that HE loves it ---- and he is eating like we do at home (organic, healthy food & snacks) and having a great mix of play & structure ("circle time" and more) in a personalized, at-home daycare setting. He is thriving, which gives me "peace of mind" when I am not with him. |
| Review by Doherty on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 4:46:45 PM |
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| Donna is an exceptionally caring person. She has been caring for our children for 4 years. The kids love her interaction and rave about her awesome homemade Mac and Cheese on Tuesdays! You could not ask for a better role model for your children. |