What to Bring

Each child will have a bin for their personal items. Please include:

• Extra clothing (weather-appropriate and for messy play)

• A blanket for rest time

• A reusable bag for soiled items

• Labeled and dated sunscreen (if bringing your own)

Infants also need:

• Diapers and wipes

• Diaper cream (labeled and dated)

• Breast milk or formula in labeled, dated bottles

• Prepared infant food (labeled)

• Reusable bags for dirty bottles, cloth diapers, or clothes

We do our best to keep track of items, but please check your child's bin daily and label everything clearly.

Our Day Together

We offer a balanced approach that blends play-based learning with gentle structure. Each day includes:

• Indoor play and exploration

• Music and art specials

• Outdoor time

• Meals, snacks, and rest

Children of different ages play and learn together, encouraging leadership, empathy, and cooperation. Our caregivers follow the children's interests to spark learning opportunities.

Meals & Snacks

We provide AM snack, lunch, and PM snack daily. Meals are healthy, homemade, mostly organic, and vegetarian.

If your child has allergies or restrictions, let us know. Children under 12 months must bring their own clearly labeled food.

Toys From Home

Children may bring toys if they can be shared or are for quiet time. Items that cause conflict or include weapons/action figures must stay at home or in the child’s bin.

Outings

We take walks and explore the neighborhood using strollers or baby carriers.

Electronics

We do not use screens. The only exception is audio music or stories

Birthdays

Families are welcome to bring a treat to celebrate. We will let you know how many children to plan for and share dietary restrictions.

Medication

All medications must be provided in the original container, clearly labeled and dated. Let us know if your child needs to take medication during care.

Guidance Policy

Our caregivers model and teach:

• Respect for self, others, and belongings

• Positive language and calm communication

• Conflict resolution through redirection and discussion

• Independence and self-respect

We guide children with warmth, consistency, and patience. Conflict is seen as a natural opportunity to learn and grow.

Diapering

We plan for diaper changes and toileting opportunities at regular intervals throughout the day or when needed.  Please supply enough diapers for your child daily.  If you provide cloth diapers, we need to have enough diaper covers for each insert.  We do not reuse diaper covers.

Family Style Meals

Meals are served family-style to encourage independence and social skills. Children learn to serve themselves and eat alongside caregivers.

Toilet Readiness

We follow a child-led approach. We begin once your child is confidently using the toilet at home. We do not use pull-ups or offer rewards.

Children are encouraged to use the toilet during diaper changes if showing interest. Familiarity helps ease the transition.

Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen at drop-off. We will reapply as needed with our provided brand (with permission), or with your labeled and dated personal sunscreen.

Photography & Video

We may take photos or videos for family sharing and marketing. If you do not want your child included, please request an opt-out form.

Illness Policy

Please keep your child home if they show signs of illness such as:

• Fever (100°F or higher)

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Rash, cough, or difficulty breathing

Children may return after 24 hours symptom-free without medication. If illness develops during the day, parents will be called for immediate pickup. We do not offer credits or makeup days for sick absences.

Emergency Plan

In an emergency, we will contact you immediately. If unreachable, we will contact your listed emergency contact. If the building is unsafe to re-enter, your child must be picked up. If it becomes safe, we will continue our day as usual.