Helpful Information for Little Lakes Families Below!
We want families to feel informed and comfortable before their child’s first day.
Below you’ll find general information about daily care, meals, communication, pickup and drop-off, and what families should plan to provide. Some policies may be updated as Little Lakes Learning Center completes licensing and finalizes its operating procedures.
Our Philosophy
At Little Lakes Learning Center, we believe children deserve quality care in a place that feels like a welcoming second home — somewhere they can laugh, learn, explore, and feel appreciated. We strive to give parents peace of mind while their children are in our care. That means taking the time to get to know each child’s temperament, interests, abilities, and personality while supporting them as they develop new skills and reach important milestones. We also believe every child should have opportunities to participate. Our environment and activities are adapted when needed so children with differing abilities can be included and supported.
Most importantly, we consider it a privilege to play a positive role in a child’s life. Parents remain their child’s first and most important teacher, and our goal is to work alongside families to provide a caring, respectful environment where children are excited to return each day.
What a Typical Day May Include
Little Lakes Learning Center follows a daily routine that provides children with consistency while still allowing flexibility for individual needs, teachable moments, field trips, and special activities.
7:00–8:30 AM — Arrival & Choice Activities
Children arrive and settle into the day with choice activities designed to make the transition from home to childcare easier.
8:30–9:00 AM — Morning Snack & Morning Care
Morning snack is served, followed by handwashing and diaper changes. Infants and younger toddlers may begin their morning nap while older children participate in choice activities.
9:00–10:30 AM — Free Play & Circle Time
Older children have free play followed by Circle Time activities. Infants and younger toddlers continue following their individual nap and feeding schedules.
The group then begins preparing for outdoor time.
10:30–11:45 AM — Outdoor Play
Children enjoy outside play, games, or walks. When weather does not allow outdoor activities, free play or indoor games are provided.
11:45 AM–12:00 PM — Lunch Preparation
Children clean up, wash hands, complete diaper or bathroom routines, and prepare for lunch.
12:00–12:30 PM — Lunch
Lunch is served with an emphasis on relaxed conversation and practicing appropriate mealtime manners.
12:30–1:00 PM — Story Time & Nap Preparation
After lunch, children clean up, wash hands, complete care routines, enjoy story time, and prepare for afternoon rest.
1:00–3:00 PM — Nap & Quiet Time
Children have a designated nap or quiet-time period.
Older children who no longer nap are given quiet time. If they remain awake after approximately 30–40 minutes, they may look at books or participate in another quiet activity.
3:00–3:15 PM — Wake Up & Afternoon Care
As children wake, diapers and bathroom needs are handled, hands are washed, cots are cleaned up, and children prepare for daycare supper.
3:15–3:45 PM — Daycare Supper
Daycare supper is served and cleaned up.
3:45–5:00 PM — Outdoor Play & Departure
Children participate in outdoor play while families begin pickup. When weather does not permit outdoor time, children participate in free play indoors.
A Routine With Room for Flexibility
While Little Lakes follows a daily schedule, childcare does not always fit perfectly into the clock. The routine may change to accommodate individual children, special activities, field trips, teachable moments, or other opportunities that arise during the day.
Infants and younger children may also need additional naps, feeding times, or care outside the standard schedule. Diaper changes and other care needs are always handled as needed rather than only at scheduled times.
Meals & Snacks
Little Lakes Learning Center plans to participate in a food program and provide:
Morning snack
Lunch
Afternoon or daycare supper
Meals are incorporated into the daily routine and provide an opportunity for children to slow down, interact, and practice age-appropriate mealtime skills.
Parent Communication With Brightwheel
Little Lakes Learning Center plans to use Brightwheel to help families stay connected throughout the day.
Parents may receive updates related to:
Meals and feeding
Diaper changes
Photos
Daily activities
Messages from caregivers
Check-in and check-out
Drop-Off, Pickup & Security
Little Lakes Learning Center is developing procedures designed to create a secure environment for children and families.
Current plans include:
Digital check-in and check-out
Securing childcare room doors after children arrive
Adults responding to parents and visitors
Identification procedures for unfamiliar pickup persons
Parent-selected pickup code words
Releasing children only to approved individuals
Tours and parent interviews are also planned outside regular childcare hours.
What Families Should Bring
Parents should plan to provide personal items their child may need throughout the day, including:
Extra clothing
Indoor shoes
Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
Snow pants, jackets, hats, and gloves when needed
Bottles or other child-specific feeding items when applicable