How we work
Here at Stepping Stone Family Day Care, we feel that the focus of your child’s experience here should be the development of his/her social and interactive skills, with the goal of developing a healthy self-image as a unique individual, in a warm and loving environment. All activities are carefully planned to coincide with each child’s particular stage in his/her developmental area: physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative. We are constantly swapping out toys and rearranging the room inside and rearranging the outside as well, this makes the children feel like they are walking into a new setting.
The program is full of three-dimensional hands-on experiences for all children. The day is divided into several parts, each with a positive distinct function. Through art, music, movement, water play and fun, each day is filled with many enriching activities. Our goal is for children to experience the world around them and to provide them with a love of learning. Children in the program proceed at their own individual pace. In a safe environment we will bring to their world stimulating and creative materials to use in a variety of ways. As teachers we are there to give guidance and suggestions to help your children explore their world in a multitude of ways.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is very simple. We believe that children learn through play, therefore we make learning fun through music, story, art and other activities.
Discipline
My philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. I achieve this through love, consistency and firmness. I stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the child care home frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines.
Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are not adept at communication have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what I will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases.
The following methods of discipline will be used:
Encourage children to solve problems themselves
Intervention and discussion
Re-direction to another play area
Loss of privileges
Thinking time
If I feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, I will let you know so that you and I are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline between our homes. These types of behavior might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc.
MEALS
We provide daily snacks for free and lunch at a fee of $6 per day. you are more than welcome to pack your child’s lunch.
List of services offered
Caring for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years
Open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Overnight, evening, weekend, and drop-in care available by appointment
Serving 2 snacks daily, lunch is available at a fee
Potty training
Provider and employees fingerprinted and CPR/ First aid certified
Art
Music and Movement
Story/Circle time
Water Play
Tummy time for infants
Development of large and small motor skills
Facilities (2 play areas)
Plus so much more. We have a routine that we follow on a daily basis for our older children.