Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions I have received over the years.

• Q

  Are you CPR certified?

  Yes. I am certified in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR, First Aid, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use.

  These certifications help ensure that I am prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

   

• Q

  Do you have any training?

  Yes. I have earned the Early Childhood Credential Level 1 certification and complete 15 or more hours of continuing education and training each year.

  This ongoing professional development helps me stay current with best practices in early childhood care, safety, and development.

• Q

  How many children do you care for?

  Although I am licensed to care for up to eight children, I choose to maintain a smaller group size  and care for no more than five children at a time. 

  This allows for more individual attention, a quieter environment, and stronger relationships with each child and family.

• Q

  Do you offer drop-in care or daycare by the hour?

  No. We only offer full-day child care. Drop-in or hourly care is not available.

  This allows us to maintain a consistent routine and provide the best care for each child in our program.

• Q

  Does the daycare provide infant formula and baby food?

  We kindly ask that parents supply baby food, breast milk, or formula as needed for their child. 

• Q

  Do children have to be immunized to attend?

  Yes. In accordance with DCFS regulations, every child must have a current physical exam and up-to-date immunization records on file in order to attend a licensed daycare home.

  We also have a written sick policy in place to help maintain a healthy environment for all children in our car

• Q

  Are there specific drop-off and pick-up times?

  Yes. Families contract for specific drop-off and pick-up times to help maintain a smooth and consistent routine for all children.

  • Drop-offs are scheduled between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM

  • Pick-ups are scheduled between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM

  These designated windows help support a stable schedule for meals, naps, and daily activities. Consistent timing allows for fewer disruptions and a more peaceful environment for the children.

• Q

  Do I need to provide toys or other equipment for my child?

  Our daycare provides portable cribs, cots, high chairs, infant seats, and a wide variety of toys to ensure comfort and fun for your child.

  If parents prefer, they are welcome to bring personal equipment for their infant, such as a portable crib or special blanket. These items will be used exclusively by their child to maintain a safe and personalized care environment.

• Q

  Do we pay if our child is sick and does not attend daycare?

  Full payment is required whenever we are open in order to reserve space for your child. This ensures your child's spot is secured and helps with scheduling and planning.

• Q

  Do you hold daycare openings?

  An opening for daycare may be held for up to one month with a reservation payment. Please note that this payment is non-refundable and will not be applied to daycare services.

  This policy helps secure your child’s spot while allowing for proper planning and preparation.

• Q

  Do you feed infants on demand or on a schedule?

  Infants are fed on demand to ensure their individual needs are met. As they grow, they will gradually establish their own feeding patterns. When they are developmentally ready, we will transition to a more structured feeding schedule that aligns with their needs and routines.
   

• Q

  Do you have pets?

  .Yes, we have one dog and two cats in the home:

  • Polly – a friendly terrier mix

  • Ivy and Bug – two affectionate domestic shorthair cats

  All of our pets are well-socialized and enjoy being around children. They are up-to-date on vaccinations and are regularly checked by a veterinarian to ensure a healthy environment.

  We closely supervise all interactions between the children and pets to ensure safety and comfort for everyone.

• Q

  Do you have a current state license?

  Yes, I am licensed by the State of Illinois, and my license is current and in good standing.

  This means I meet all state requirements for health, safety, training, and child care standards, and I am regularly inspected to ensure continued compliance.

• Q

  What kinds of activities do you do with the children?

  We offer a variety of fun and developmentally appropriate activities to support learning through play, creativity, and exploration. 

  • Outdoor Play – with ride-on toys, balls, a sandbox, and a playhouse climber

  • Creative Activities – coloring, crafts and play dough

  • Cognitive Play – puzzles, ABC & 123 games, and story time to build early literacy and math skills

  • Imaginative Play – pretend play, music, and dress-up

  • Construction and Fine Motor Skills – block play and hands-on manipulatives

  • Free Play – time for children to explore and play independently or with friends at their own pace

  These activities are designed to promote physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development in a safe and nurturing environment.

• Q

  Do you have a fenced in yard?

  Yes, the backyard is fully fenced in, providing a secure space for outdoor play.

  Children are always under constant supervision while outside to ensure their safety and well-being during outdoor activities.

• Q

  Do you provide meals and snacks?

  The daycare provides lunch and two snacks daily and these are included in the tuition fees.  We kindly ask that parents supply baby food, breast milk, or formula as needed for their child. 

• Q

  What part of the home is used for daycare?

  The first floor of the home is used for daycare. The second floor is used for nap time for older children. Infants nap on the first floor near the provider. 

  The first floor of the home is the primary area used for daily daycare activities, including play, meals, and learning.

  • Infants nap on the first floor, close to the provider for close supervision.

  • Older children nap on the second floor in a quiet, designated nap area.

  This setup allows for age-appropriate rest and supervision while maintaining a safe and organized environment for all children.

• Q

  Do you have a disaster plan?

  Your child’s safety during emergencies is taken seriously. We have a comprehensive written disaster plan that is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it meets current safety standards and best practices.

  Key components of our emergency preparedness include:

  • Monthly Fire and Tornado Drills 

  • Escape Route Map and Procedures – A clearly marked map of escape routes and emergency procedures is posted in the office for quick reference.

  • Ongoing Preparedness – I am trained to respond to emergencies and follow established protocols to keep all children safe.

  These proactive measures help ensure we’re ready to respond effectively in any situation.

  
   

• Q

  Has the home been inspected?

  The home meets strict safety standards and undergoes regular inspections, including:

  • Fire Marshal Inspection – The home has been inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal.

  • Radon Testing and Mitigation – Radon levels have been tested, and a radon mitigation system is installed to ensure a safe indoor environment.

  • DCFS Oversight – We receive an unannounced annual inspection by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to ensure continued compliance with state regulations.

  • Daily and Monthly Safety Checks – The provider conducts thorough daily and monthly safety inspections to maintain a secure, hazard-free environment.

  These measures help ensure that your child is cared for in a safe, well-maintained setting at all times.

• Q

  Do you provide references?

  References are available upon request.

• Q

  Do you provide transportation?

  Daycare children are never transported in my automobile.
  
  No. Children enrolled in daycare are never transported in my vehicle. For safety and liability reasons, all transportation to and from daycare is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

• Q

  Do you receive personal visitors during the day?

  No. For the safety and well-being of all children in my care, personal visitors who are not related to the daycare business are not permistted during daycare hours.

  I maintain a secure and focused environment, and only authorized individuals—such as parents, guardians, or approved professionals—may enter the premises during operating hours.

• Q

  How do you communicate with parents about their child's day?

  To keep you informed, a daily report that includes personalized updates on:

  • Naps – how long and when your child rested

  • Bottles and Meals – what and how much your child ate or drank

  • Diaper Changes – including wet, soiled, or dry updates

  These reports are shared digitally at the end of the day and are a valuable way to keep you engaged in your child's development and well-being.

  
   

• Q

  Is the daycare non-smoking?

  Yes, the daycare is completely smoke free.

• Q

  What do I need to bring?

  We have a wide variety of toys and child furniture available, so there is no need to bring these items. The daycare provides lunch and two snacks daily.  Parents are responsible for providing the following items for their child:

  •Diapers & Wipes – we keep a supply for your child on-site so there is no need to bring them back and forth each day.  We will let you know when your child’s supply is running low.
  •Baby Food, Breast Milk, Infant Formula

• Q

  Is the home safe for crawling babies?

  The daycare home includes several childproofing measures to ensure a safe environment for young children. Safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks have been installed, and there is a documented safety plan in place. Children are also under constant supervision, making this a secure space for babies to crawl, explore, and develop their physical abilities.

• Q

  Are children ever left unattended?

  Constant supervision of children is provided at all times.
   

• Q

  What if my child needs medication during the day?

  A written medication request, complete with a parent's signature, is required before medication is administered to a child during the day. 

• Q

  When are payments due?

  Payments for the upcoming week of childcare are processed via Zelle every Friday morning. . 

• Q

  Where do the children nap?

  Children over 1 year old follow a set nap schedule on the second floor, where we provide portable cribs and cots. Parents are also welcome to provide their child's own portable crib if they prefer. Infants nap on the first floor in an area that allows close supervision by the caregiver.
   

• Q

  Who may pick up my child?

  Only individuals authorized by the child's parent are permitted to pick them up from daycare. If the provider has not previously met the authorized individual, a valid state-issued ID must be presented at the time of pickup.