The Program
Nature’s Little Helpers values the opportunity to work with children and families from all circumstances. I will work with local community support services to ensure that the needs of all children are met to the best of my ability.
In a family daycare there can sometimes be a variety of ages, however each child is provided programming specific to their developmental stages and needs. All children have the opportunities to learn proper language skills, social skills, self-help skills, emotional skills, large and small motor skills, and creative skills. This is achieved through modeling appropriate behaviors and language, singing, story time, games, positive encouragement, and problem solving.
Parents are welcome to drop in at any time to visit their child however please consider the impact of the program. A very young child may have difficulty saying goodbye twice in one day or have a difficult time in transitions like nap time. If you are thinking of a visit we can always work together to find a time that works for both parent and child.
Infants (3 months to 11 months)
The infants schedule allows for maximum flexibility, reflecting on their individual needs. Meals and naps are given as your child needs them. They will have many opportunities to explore their environment inside and outdoors. American Sign Language is used to communicate needs for your child. ASL is a great way to reduce frustration in infants before they are able to speak. Foods that have not yet been introduced at home will not be given to your child. Please give me a full list of the foods your child has eaten.
During nap time your child will always be placed on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS unless you provide me with a written note from both parents and your child’s health care provider requesting another sleeping position.
Toddlers (12 months to 29 months)
Toddler age children have flexible daily schedules and can accommodate the children’s nap schedules as needed. Each day will include a morning and afternoon play time indoors and out and opportunities for language and music activities.
Pre-Schooler (30 months to 5 years)
Children will spend their day exploring their world with ample opportunities to make choices on the types of activities they are interested in both the indoor and outdoor environment. Language and music experiences will be available daily as well as many opportunities to develop fine motor and creative expression skills. Nap times will still be required to have a 30 minute rest period.
School-Age (5 years to 12 years)
The out of school care program is recreational and play based with daily activities scheduled based on the interest and developmental ages of the group. The day will include both active and quiet times with plenty of outdoor time.
Daily Schedule
| 7:30 AM | Arrival & Free Play |
| 8:30 AM | Snack Time |
| 9:30 AM | Circle Time |
| 10:00 AM | Toileting then outdoor time/walks |
| 11:00 AM | Free Play |
| 11:45 AM | Lunch Time |
| 12:15 PM | Toileting |
| 12:30 PM | Nap Time |
| 2:30 PM | Quiet activities & Toileting |
| 3:30 PM | Snack Time |
| 4:00 PM | Story Time |
| 4:30 PM | Outdoor Time |
| 5:20 PM | Pick up & Departure |