Our center is every child and parent's dream, full of tons of cool toys, activities, and awesome friends!  I provide children with lots of love, understanding, patience and guidance in a happy classroom setting.  I believe my job as a childcare provider is to support the role of parents.  I strive to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of each child.  I focus on developing respect, nurturing creativity, creating friendships, and providing enrichment opportunities.  Christian values and beliefs are taught and upheld throughout the day, but I do not force religion.  We have mealtime prayers/songs ("Jesus Loves Me," the "Apple Tree" song), Christian books, and Christian kids' songs.  I am also proud to be an Eco-Healthy Certified Child Care.  I serve organic and natural foods (with rare exceptions) and use all-natural and organic cleaners and sanitizers.  I am also careful about the toys, supplies, furniture, and products we use in our home and childcare space to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals.

Our basement was designed just for kids...1,400 square feet of fun and learning!  Toys are arranged in learning centers designed to make free choice a leaning experience as well as just plain fun: Blocks & Building, Art, Sensory, Dramatic Play, Science, Math & Manipulatives, Music, Writing, Library, Puppets, Puzzles, and Games.  During free choice time, children direct their own play and learning (I play with the kids, but I am primarily there to guide children to make good choices).  Children have the opportunity to develop and enhance their own areas of interest along with lasting friendships with others.  The emphasis is on learning through fun!  The rest of our home is used for childcare as well, from a whole room of Geotrax to a huge inflatable bouncer.  Toys and activities are everywhere, so boredom is a word you'll never hear at our home!  Our fenced backyard is perfect for running around, sports, and games, complete with a Rainbow swingset, sports equipment, and toys.  We play outside everyday, weather permitting, and we go to Gutzwiller Park (a block away) frequently.  We also take weekly fieldtrips and learn about a new country each month through Travel Tots!!! 

I have myriad school- readiness activities built into our program, such as group time, letter writing, name writing, number writing, literacy, and math and science activities.  Rather than use a purchased curriculum with “cookie cutter” art projects and worksheets, I plan unique activities that reflect and support the children’s current interests, tailored to their individual needs.  However, I supplement my own curriculum with Scholastic's Clifford curriculum.  We do arts and crafts everyday; the focus is on the process, not the product.  Chores, such as cleaning up and setting the tables, are a part of our days, and the kids learn manners and self-help skills naturally.  These early experiences are the foundation for later learning, allowing children to gain confidence as they experience success by trying out their own ideas and learn problem-solving skills through trial-and-error.  I use authentic assessments and conferences throughout the year to track each child's progress, hone their skills in each area, and continue to support and work with parents. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Hollee: