Q:  What is the difference between a home daycare and a daycare center?

A:  In what we do and what we teach, nothing.  Childcare homes are registered/licensed with the state and follow State Regulations (minimum).  We are monitored and inspected by TDFPS Child Care Licensing with un-announced visits.  We have to submit to background checks and facility inspections in order to maintain our permit to operate. The main difference is in the child/caregiver ratio.  In a childcare home, we are limited to 12 children (6 preschool and younger and 6 school age) depending on the ages of the children in care.  Since I have so many fewer children, this gives me a chance to individualize curriculum according to a child's needs.  Development issues can be recognized and addressed in a quicker manner.  Also, a benefit of a smaller class size is:  less illness. 

:  My child has a favorite toy that he just loves and likes to take everywhere.  Can he bring it to daycare as well?

A:  Books and blankets are always welcome.  Toys, however, should be left at home.  Please don't make me the "bad guy", having to take the toy away and put it up on a shelf.  We have a good assortment of age/developmentally appropriate toys here at the daycare for the children to choose from.  Personal toys may get broken or lost and I can not be responsible for such an event.  Jealousy and fighting among the children also occur when personal toys are brought in from home. 

Q:  How will I know that my child is being served nutritious meals and snacks?

A:  I participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, part of the USDA.  I am required to serve the types and amounts of food required by the USDA for child nutrition.  I have to keep and send in written menus on a weekly basis showing what the children were served.  You may request to see the menus for the last 3 months.   For examples of what is required, check out the rates & menus page on this site. 

Q:  Why doesn't my child bring home work each day?

 A:  I believe that doing worksheets (and other things of that sort) isn't as beneficial for the children as the hands-on learning that we do.  Trust me, if you will observe (watch and listen) your child and ask questions of your child and of Auntie, you will know what your child is learning.  My goal is to have them learn basic skills that they need for not only kindergarten but for life.  I concentrate on letters, shapes and numbers, colors, motor skills, social skills and critical thinking skills.  Those are all really hard to learn if all you are doing is worksheets each day.  There is a time for "dittos" and color sheets, but they are few and far between.   They're great for learning to color in the lines (which comes at a later age anyway), but that's about it.  It's hard to spark a child's interest in learning if they are sitting down at a table doing "WORK" all day.  If they're not interested, they're not learning. 

Q:  How will I know if there is an opening for childcare?

A:  There will usually be a bulletin posted on the homepage.  Sometimes unexpected things happen and there might not be a chance to update the site.  The best thing to do is to contact us for current information on openings.  We do keep a waiting list.  So, your best bet is to be put on the list.  This way, you'll be notified first in the event of any openings. 

For any other questions, please review the Parent Handbook or just ask Auntie...............................................

Suggestions are always welcome!