FAQ

What should I expect from a tour?

We love welcoming families to explore our space and get a feel for what we offer. Tours are designed to be playful and low-pressure, giving your child an opportunity to play and explore while we get to know one another.

Before scheduling a tour, I’ll provide you with a parent/guardian handbook and a sample curriculum. It’s important to thoroughly review these materials before deciding to move forward with a visit, as they provide a clear picture of our program. Families find that reading through the handbook helps them determine whether we’re the right fit, which can save us both time if it turns out our program isn’t aligned with your needs.

If, after reviewing the handbook and curriculum, you feel ready to take the next step, we’ll be happy to schedule a tour. The primary purpose of the visit is for us to meet, determine if we’re a good fit, and give your child the chance to experience the learning environment firsthand.

Who lives in your home?

As a home daycare, it’s important for families to know the members of our household who will be part of their child’s daily life.

In our home, you’ll find:

Jamie (me): Your child’s primary caregiver.
CJ: My partner, a licensed massage therapist and also a seasoned educator, and licensed childcare professional with over 10 years of experience as co-owner and director of Cherubs Nursery School. In the present time, CJ is largely out of the house during school hours. In the future he plans to enter back into child care as we grow and expand our program.
Our fur family:
- Fig: A 2-year-old American Staffordshire mix currently training for her Canine Good Citizen certification to become a therapy dog.
- Luna: A 4-year-old Corgi.
- Maple: A 4-year-old mixed-breed cat.

All of our pets were adopted as babies so we know their full histories and they have been raised in a child-friendly environment. Being a licensed daycare, we follow strict DCYF guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in homes with pets. Our animals are always closely monitored when children are present and are never left alone with them. All our dogs are professionally trained, adding to the safe and nurturing environment of our home.

My child cannot nap outside of the house, how will naptime be addressed?

Rest assured, your child is incredibly capable, resilient, and ready to rise to the challenge! As a Licensed Pediatric Sleep Consultant, I frequently encounter this concern when children are transitioning to daycare. My answer is: yes, they absolutely can!

100% of the children I’ve worked with—both through my Sleep Consultancy and in my daycare—have successfully learned to nap independently in a shared sleeping environment. Each child requires a different level of support to reach this milestone, and I’m here to provide that support in a way that fits their unique needs.

Just like any new skill, learning to nap independently takes modeling, practice, and encouragement. I’m committed to supporting your child every step of the way to ensure they feel safe, secure, and confident in their new routine.

Do you have early drop-off or late pick-up?

No, our daily hours (8:30 am — 4:30 pm) are set. To maintain consistency and a balanced routine for all children, we do not offer early drop-off or late pick-up options.

Are meals provided?

Yes, meals and snacks are provided with our food program option for $20/wk, all food is prepared in accordance with Washington State requirements for daycare meals. All meals are homemade and nutritionally balanced. If your child has special dietary needs, such as allergies or lifestyle preferences, I’m happy to accommodate them to ensure every child’s needs are met.

*Families who opt out of the food program are required to send meals and snacks for their child daily

What is your curriculum like?

At Little Life Learning House, our curriculum is thoughtfully customized for the small group of children enrolled. Rather than using a preset, one-size-fits-all program, I adapt the curriculum weekly to align with the unique growth and goals of the current cohort. By blending elements from several teaching philosophies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, I create a dynamic learning environment tailored to each child’s needs. The aim for all of my teaching is always kindergarten readiness, this isn’t strictly academic, some weeks may be solely focused on social-emotional readiness and developing the skills necessary to adapt and thrive in a formal learning environment.

Montessori: I focus on fostering independence and practical life skills, helping children build confidence through hands-on learning experiences.
Reggio Emilia: This approach emphasizes creativity and curiosity, with learning guided by the children’s interests and exploration.
Waldorf: I incorporate rhythm and routine to create a predictable, nurturing environment where children feel secure and inspired to learn.

Much of our learning is play-based, as I believe children retain more information when the experience is low-pressure and fun.

For example:

Counting happens while building with blocks or during snack time.
ABCs are integrated into our day through songs, books, and play.
Colors and opposites are explored through art projects and sensory play.

With a mixed-age group, I tailor lessons to each child's developmental stage. This creates a rich, collaborative environment where younger children benefit from exposure to the older children's curriculum, often reaching academic milestones earlier and older children have the opportunity to teach the younger ones, fostering a sense of achiement and confidence in their knowledge.

By combining structure with flexibility, I ensure every child feels supported and excited to learn in their own unique way.

When is tuition due and how is it paid?

You will receive weekly invoices through DailyConnect and Receipt upon payment. Tuition is due weekly and can be paid conveniently via e-transfer.

What is your child-to-teacher ratio?

I maintain a small ratio of six children to one teacher. This ensures that each child receives individualized attention, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where they can thrive.

What is your daily schedule like?

Here’s a general overview of a typical day at Little Life Learning House:

9:00 - 9:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 - 10:00 AM: Circle time (singing, stories, and songs)
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Planned lesson
11:00 - 11:45 AM: Lunch
11:45 - 12:15 PM: Clean-up, naptime set-up, wind-down time
12:15 - 12:30 PM: Storytime and naptime song
12:30 - 2:30 PM: Naptime
2:45 PM: Snack
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Outdoor playtime
4:00 - 4:30 PM: Clean-up and closing activities

What is your policy on potty training?

Children do not need to be potty trained to attend our daycare. As an experienced caregiver, I’ve worked with many children through the potty training process using a variety of methods. When your child shows readiness and you feel it’s time to start, we will have a meeting to discuss your preferred approach. I will then support your family by implementing the method that works best for your child. If you ever need guidance, I’m here to offer advice and share my knowledge whenever requested.