With emphasis on our small and homey feel, we are committed to the safety and well being of our children in care.  Being 1 out of 14 is significantly better than 1 out of 200!  Children will have plenty of time in the conventional school system with crowded classrooms. Why start too soon?  Allow time to develop security, explore their world, and be self assured.

 

Our staff is active in professional development and take additional steps and precautions to ensure our daycare remains a safe environment.  Children have less exposure to potential germs compared to a larger center-based program.  We wash hands frequently and disinfect all surfaces many times per day with chemical-free, natural, and effective cleaning products.

I have been a licensed daycare provider providing private childcare for the past 22 years, received the Highest Honor in Home Daycares earning the very First Exemplary In Home Daycare Award in 2018! Since 1994 I've held a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education possessing a Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, and am the proud mother of three children; ages 24, 22, and 16.  My oldest graduated high school early, graduating from MSU.  GO GREEN!  (Albeit UofM fans are welcome :) and is working in Seattle as a software development engineer for Amazon.   My 22 year old son graduated from HVAC school and started a successful business, is an amazing baseball player who loves the outdoors, hiking, fishing, and motorcycling. My high school Junior is top of her class of 431 students taking all AP and Honors classes, is a stellar volleyball athlete playing on her high school varsity team as well as national competitive travel team, who is looking forward to attending med school to become a pediatric neurologist.

 

Being very community oriented, many of our clients represent members of law enforcement, medical, and school personnel.  We emphasize Inclusion and diversity, thriving on acceptance and appreciation for everyone!  Anything less is not tolerated!  

 

We don't have the high overhead of a large center.  Therefore, allowing lower cost of care as well as higher compensation for staff without the typical turnover rate centers experience with staff.  It's not an easy career. That's why our staff is generously compensated.

Children are encouraged to participate in a number of age appropriate themes taught throughout the year.  Themes may include seasons, manners, feelings, concepts (friendship), animals, numbers, mathematics, letter recognition and sounds, etc.  We often create an activity or an art project incorporating the theme of the week.  This may include developing  language skills, knowledge of colors, counting, shapes, patterns, rhyming, verbal connections, sight/sound recognition, and crafts.  Children have different interests and abilities. So grasping those teachable moments throughout the day keeps learning fun and individualized.   Children are always eager to learn new things!  It's a proven fact that children with open ended guidance develop the best problem solving skills.  They will not be micro-managed in an open environment where free thoughts are encouraged, developing confidence, their own ideas, and strong minds.

Outdoor play is a must for developing motor skills of active and healthy children.  This is why children are allowed outdoor play once in the morning and once in the afternoon (even more on beautiful days).  Children must arrive with adequate clothing for the weather each day.  Outdoor play may include exploring the sandbox, several ride on toys, bikes, playhouse, balls, push toys, slides, play equipment, and a large fenced in backyard for just running about. We are also a pet-friendly daycare and encourage a positive relationship with animals and nature :)

 

Periodic assessments are conducted through Ages & Stages with parental permission, to ensure your child is on track with development.  Areas of weakness are identified and an individual plan is strategized.  Your child will be more than ready for Kindergarten with great confidence.  The main abilities to succeed include managing themselves, good listening skills, and cooperating with others.  Learning will flow when these skills are achieved.