Amanda's House has recently moved! We are working on creating a new and inviting space. Photos/video of the new space will be available in 2025!
Down below you will find the main parts of our day or week. This is the core of the program and the reason that our days here are so wonderful! To find out more about the program and policies check out the Parent Handbook.
Art materials are readily available at all times. I think it's important for children to have the opportunity to have many ways to express themselves and have space to share their thoughts and ideas. It helps them to develop their fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, creative expression and so much more!
Reading happens as a planned small group and any time the kids ask. Books are a window into the world and I try to offer a wide variety in the types of books we have exposure to. Looking at books is such an amazing pre reading skill, we talk together and increase our language.
Outdoor play is so important for proper physical development. It helps clear our minds, it gives us space to run, yell and move our bodies. It's the best place to increase our vestibular systems, spatial awareness and balance. We spend as much time outside as possible. It's so important to dress your child appropriately for the weather and the temperatures.
We learn so much by sharing meals together. I offer a meal plan, but we get just as much out of our time together when you send a packed lunch for your child. We learn to try new foods and are inspired by our peers when they show the bravery to try those different foods.
It's so important to offer children the space to just play. To take their own ideas and follow them. To share narratives with others is so critical for social development and learning to thrive with others. It's space to explore how the world works
I have 5, 5 point harnesses safely installed in my van. We love to go on adventures and explore parks, the library and other places that we explore to pursue our interests. Parents and families are always welcome to join us on our adventures.
We have musical instruments, but google is our DJ. Having one available in our space means that they can choose the music they want, when they want. It's started a lot of dance parties and helped to connect us to our homes where we can hear the same music.
A child's family is such an important part of their life. We all long to belong somewhere and it is my deepest desire that you feel like this is your village and place to belong. It's a space that children are so eager to share with their families and we have several events throughout the year that allow you to meet other famiiies and create lasting relationships.
Full disclosure: I can only speak English, but we are all learning some French together. We are doing this by reading French books, singing french songs and learning words related to our passions and interests.
It's important to know that we get really messy here. Your child's clothes will get really dirty and I think it's the best sign of a great day! I know that clothes are expensive, so I recommend a small wardrobe of clothes that you wear just to daycare that you don't feel attached to.
I think that children learn best when there is a strong connection and respect between me and their families. I work hard to create and foster that connection for the best learning environment possible. I do this by posting daily pictures to a closed Facebook group ( I highly recommend looking at these with your child at the end of the day!), being available at the end of the day to chat about their day, and working through problems together.