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Christian preschool & childcare · Ages 1–5

Our history.
A legacy of love.

Great Beginnings began with a calling to share God’s love with children. From our first preschool in 1990 to our classrooms today, that purpose continues to guide our care.

Glendale & Goodyear, Arizona

Find your campus & tour Follow our story
A teacher and young children building a tower with colorful wooden blocks

The heart behind Great Beginnings

One beginning.
A lasting purpose.

Robert (Bob) Nedimyer opened his first preschool in 1990. His background in ministry and his commitment to children helped shape Great Beginnings as a place for early learning and Christian care.

Bob earned a BA in Church Ministries from Southwestern College. His work in early childhood education and administration brought that foundation into the daily life of the school.

Our mission continues to express the heart of that work: to Love, Protect, Teach and Serve all children, as we honor our Lord’s command to take the Good News to the whole world.

Our mission & core ideology

Milestones in our story

Growing with purpose,
through the years.

  1. 1990

    The first preschool opens

    Robert Nedimyer opened his first preschool, beginning a ministry focused on children and their early years.

  2. 1991

    A foundation for the future

    Great Beginnings was formed as an S-corporation, giving the growing school its organizational structure.

  3. 2011

    A legacy entrusted to family

    Robert went to be with the Lord in 2011. His daughter, Rachel Ryan, continued her father’s mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with children in our schools.

  4. Today

    The same heart for children

    Our Glendale and Goodyear campuses carry that Christian purpose into the classroom through caring relationships, purposeful routines, and early learning.

Family leadership

A mission passed on.
A calling carried forward.

After Robert’s passing, his daughter Rachel Ryan continued his mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with children. Family and team leadership have helped carry that purpose forward.

Our story is also the work of the people who support classrooms, care for families, and help the schools serve their communities.

Meet our teachers & staff

The faith that guides us

Rooted in Christ.
Growing in care.

Our Christian foundation connects our history with the care families experience today. It shapes the way we teach kindness, support friendships, and help children discover God’s love.

Faith in everyday learning Our statement of faith

Our wider ministry

Serving children.
Connecting with churches.

Church partnerships are part of the Great Beginnings story. Churches interested in learning about our approach can explore the program, its beliefs, and facility information below.

More about Great Beginnings

See where your child could grow

Two campuses.
A warm welcome at both.

Choose Glendale or Goodyear to meet our teachers, explore a classroom, and ask about placement, tuition, and current availability.

Both campuses: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Our Goodyear campus also welcomes families from nearby Litchfield Park.

Come see where
great beginnings happen.

Meet our teachers, explore a classroom, and ask about daily routines, tuition, and enrollment.

Choose your campus