Program

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Best Friends Daycare & Preschool partners with Preschool Delivers which brings a quality early childhood curriculum to children enrolled in our program. Preschool sessions are created and taught by an experienced and educated early childhood professional. Monthly themes provide a cohesive educational unit to enable learning through repetition. The curriculum covers topics that support a variety of development areas including language, literacy, math, science, art, and music. Preschool Delivers will provide personal daily communication with families regarding the curriculum, activities and lessons taught during each session. Progress assessments will be conducted twice a year through observation, work sampling, and written documentation. This information will be shared with families and will be used to set new goals for each child.

LESSONS ENCOURAGING ACADEMIC READINESS

To help children get ready for school, I teach the kids colors, shapes, letters, numbers, animals, seasons, and weather. Every month, we learn about different seasonal themes, ranging from apples, when we make (and eat!) an apple pie, to fire safety, complete with a visit from local firefighters and EMTs. (The kids love seeing the fire truck and ambulance.) I also focus on feelings, manners, personal responsibility, health, and character development. And I love to read Bible stories. I showcase a different story each month.

 

PLENTY OF TIME TO CELEBRATE
Birthdays are a big deal around here. We celebrate each child and make their day special with birthday treats, gifts, and activities. We want them to feel like royalty! On Halloween we have a sensory table, non-scary haunted house, and costume party. For Thanksgiving we have a scaled-down Thanksgiving dinner, complete with prayer time and lessons about pilgrims. During December we create Santa’s workshop and host a big Christmas party with all the families, when Santa comes to visit. We also celebrate Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter. There’s always something fun going on here.

 

THE BENEFITS OF SOCIALIZATION
Kids aren’t born with social skills. These are learned, just as children learn to read and write. At Best Friends Daycare & Preschool, your child will have opportunities to form positive relationships with other kids. I encourage meaningful connections: between the kids, between the kids and various caregivers, and between myself and the parents. We really are a daycare family.

 

INTERESTING SPACES FOR EXPLORING

I understand the importance of a stimulating, supportive environment—indoors and outdoors—and that children learn in different ways. I regularly buy new toys, rotate toys to keep it fresh and interesting, and rearrange the layout of the rooms.

LESSONS APPLIED TO EVERYDAY LIFE
Experiences throughout the day are used as teaching opportunities. For example, my favorite book to read is What if Everyone Did That? by Ellen Javernick. It helps the children understand why we have rules and encourages thoughtful behavior in a child-friendly way. When things happen throughout the day, like interrupting during story time, I can ask, “What if everyone did that?” and they totally get it!

 

CREATIVE PLAY TO FUEL THE IMAGINATION
Children are encouraged to express who they are through show and tell, art, dance, music, drama, and pretend play.

OPEN COMMUNICATION
It takes a village to raise a child, and YOU know your child best. I listen—and promptly respond to—any questions or concerns you may have. This is a collaborative partnership. I also regularly share important information about your child’s progress and how he/she is developing.

 

HUGS AND LOVE Your child will always be treated with love, compassion, and respect. I genuinely care about my daycare kids. In this hustle-and-bustle world, it’s my goal to provide a safe and loving and nurturing home away from home. I want these children to learn and grow, to build strong feelings of self-worth and reach their full potential. I have been so blessed by the children I’ve cared for over the years. At the end of the day, this isn’t just a business to me. It’s a gift. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

HIGHLIGHTS OF Best Friends Daycare & Preschool:

* Experienced provider with more than 24 years of professional licensed childcare experience

* Individualized care in a clean, safe, warm, and loving Lakeville home

* Fenced-in outdoor play area

* Monthly educational themes

* Fun age-appropriate activities and projects

* Preschool enrichment program

* Lessons to encourage physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and creative development

* Faith-based principles and practices

* Nutritious meals and healthy snacks

* A robust curriculum with hands-on learning

* Custom-designed indoor spaces for arts and crafts, eating, story-listening, playing, and quiet time/napping