Kristine Leonard
I had thought about opening a daycare years ago, when my daughter was first born but, at the time, didn't think the location was ideal. Then we moved and bought a house with an in-law apartment and I thought that it was a great spot to open a daycare! With a seperate bathroom, kitchen and bedroom, my home wouldn't be touched at all!
I chose to do home daycare because I love children. I always wished I had become a teacher. Then when I had my daughter I wished I had a job that allowed me to be at home. I had a plan in my head of how I wanted to run the daycare. I did some research and got my license.
Although I don't have any formal training, my experience with parenting and a great love of children was enough drive to get me started. I've since taken some courses, joined a local daycare association, and have developed a nice program for the kids in my care. We have a fun filled day, that's structured with pre-school cirriculum, free play, healthy meals and snacks, outdoor play and occasional field trips.
References can be furnished upon request. |
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Food Program:
I am a member of Providers Nutrition Network, Inc., member # 2972, so all meals and snacks are provided by me. I plan a monthly menu that is kid friendly. Some examples are breakfast: scrambled eggs, waffles, cereal, bagel and cream cheese; lunches: mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and french fries, pasta, etc. I also make goodies because who doesn't like a treat every now and then? Providers Nutrition Network, Inc. holds annual, mandatory meetings that keep providers informed about healthy eating and issues of nutrition. They also conduct quarterly spot checks to make sure we're providing healthy meals and snacks to the children. I celebrate each child's birthday with a cake and present!
Daily Schedule:
6:30 - 7:00 - Arrival 8:00 - Breakfast 9:00 - Calendar time
9:15 - Craft, curriculum time
11:00 - Free play, outdoors (weather permitting)
12:00 - Lunch
12:45 - Quiet time
3:00 - Snack
3:30 - Outdoor play (weather permitting)
4:15 - Free play
Calendar time consists of good morning song, days of the week song, weather.
Cirriculum consists of nursery rhyme of the week, themed activities to include shapes, numbers, letters, songs
Free play consists of play dough, puzzles, blocks, dramatic play.
Outdoor activities are in a fenced in area that has slides, merry-go-round, sand box, jungle gym, teeter-totter, play house, and shovels, pails, etc.
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