Nurturing Warmth and Excellence
At Little Embers Family Childcare, my mission is to create an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow. I believe that true quality care is more than just supervision. Every day, I combine the warmth of a family atmosphere with high standards for learning and personal growth, tailoring activities to each child’s unique needs and abilities. By maintaining a balance of love, structure, and educational opportunity, I ensure that children not only thrive in the moment but also develop the skills and confidence they’ll carry into the future. This dedication to both heart and excellence is what sets Little Embers Family Childcare a step above the rest.
3-6 months old
They’re sitting up on their own, crawling, pulling themselves up, and maybe even taking their first steps. Toys like stacking cups, soft balls, and push toys are perfect for helping them build balance and coordination. Their little hands get busier too—practicing picking up small things, turning pages in board books, and trying to feed themselves finger foods. I like to help them to understand simple words, respond to their names, wave, clap, and love playing games like “pat-a-cake.” Singing songs, reading stories, and talking with them during play all help them learn and grow as they get ready to become more independent.
3 years old
At 3 years old, kids are bursting with energy and imagination. They’re running, jumping, and climbing with more confidence, and love games that involve lots of movement like dancing or playing tag. Their fine motor skills are improving too—they can draw simple shapes, build bigger block towers, and start using child-safe scissors. Language is booming, with lots of new words, sentences, and storytelling, so singing songs, reading books, and asking questions really help their learning. I encourage playing with others, sharing toys, and starting to understand taking turns and following rules, which builds their social skills and confidence as they get ready for preschool and beyond.
6-12 months old
They’re learning to hold their heads steady, push up during tummy time, roll over, and grab onto toys—sometimes even switching them from one hand to the other. This is a great age for play gyms, soft rattles, and high-contrast books, as well as letting them explore different textures with blankets or safe sensory toys. I like to can make them giggle with peek-a-boo, sing songs, gently clap hands together, or talk face-to-face to build early language skills. Every smile, coo, and kick is part of learning how to move, connect, and play in new and exciting ways.
18 months - 2 years old
They’re walking confidently, climbing, and starting to run, so activities like chasing bubbles, playing with push toys, and simple obstacle courses help them burn off that energy while building strength. Their hands are getting even better at doing things like stacking blocks, scribbling with crayons, and turning pages in books. Language skills really take off—they start using lots of new words, follow simple instructions, and love copying what adults say. Playing pretend, singing songs, and reading together are great ways to keep them curious and learning. I guise them into gaining independence and exploring the world with confidence and excitement.
12-18 months old
They love stacking blocks, scribbling with chunky crayons, turning pages, and trying to feed themselves with a spoon or cup. Language is taking off, with first words, simple directions, and lots of imitation, so reading colorful books, singing action songs, and naming objects during play keeps them learning. They also start enjoying simple pretend play, parallel play with other kids, and joining in on little group activities, which helps them build confidence, social skills, and independence in a warm, encouraging daycare setting.
4 years old
At 4 years old, kids are full of curiosity and ready to take on new challenges. I have to keep up with their running, jumping, and climbing. Their fine motor skills keep getting sharper—they can draw more detailed pictures, cut with scissors, and start writing some letters and numbers. Language skills grow fast, with longer sentences, storytelling, and lots of questions about the world around them. They love playing with friends, sharing, taking turns, and using their imagination in pretend play, which helps them build strong social skills and confidence as they get ready for kindergarten.
