07/18/2026
One year ago today, on July 18, 2025, I closed the doors of Ms. Angie's Family Daycare for the very last time. ❤️
It's hard to believe an entire year has passed.
Many people may not know where this journey truly began. It started long before I became a mom—it started with my grandmother. She inspired the path I chose. Her home was always open to families who needed someone to care for their children. It didn't matter if it was early in the morning, late at night, or a weekend. If someone needed help, she never turned them away. Looking back, I think I inherited that from her. I've always struggled with the word "no." Genetics, I guess. ❤️
When my oldest daughter, Madison, was born, I knew I wanted to be home with her. As she grew, she struggled with severe anxiety, and I wanted to create a life where I could give her the support she needed while still helping provide for our family. That's when I began caring for children in my home. What started as a way to be there for my daughter quickly became a calling. I discovered not only how much I loved children, but how deeply I loved teaching them, watching them grow, and becoming a trusted part of their lives.
Before I ever became licensed, I was already providing child care. When I learned about Maryland's child care licensing requirements, I made the difficult decision to temporarily stop providing care so I could do things the right way. I completed everything that was required, and in January 2005, Ms. Angie's Family Daycare officially became a licensed family child care program. Looking back, that decision set the foundation for the next 20 years. It also shaped the way I approached my career—with integrity, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to always put children and families first.
I also could not have done it without my family. They supported me through the long days, the early mornings, and everything that came with running a family child care business. Their encouragement became even more important when I decided to return to college while continuing to operate my daycare. Earning my degree was never just about me—I wanted to make an even greater impact on the child care profession. My dream was to one day become a Licensing Specialist in Maryland so I could support providers the same way so many had supported me throughout my journey.
Life during those years was beautifully chaotic. Along with being a mom, running a full-time daycare business, and earning my college degree, I was also cheering from the sidelines. All three of my children played soccer, and I coached their teams for many seasons. My youngest began in competitive dance before making the switch to travel soccer at just nine years old, and my oldest daughter dedicated years to gymnastics. Then there were all the school events, concerts, field trips, and countless activities in between. Looking back now, I'm honestly not sure where sleep fit into my life...but somehow, it all worked. I wouldn't trade a single hectic, exhausting, beautiful moment because every bit of it helped shape the life and memories I cherish today.
For more than 20 years, my home was filled with tiny footsteps, laughter, tears, first words, first friendships, and countless milestones. There were mornings I woke up exhausted or not feeling my best, but the moment that first little smile walked through my door or I received that first hug of the day, everything else faded away.
My goal was always to prepare children for kindergarten, support families, and provide a place that truly felt like a home away from home. The trust that parents placed in me was something I never took for granted. It was an honor to love your children, teach them, comfort them, celebrate them, and watch them grow. I loved watching families connect with one another, forming friendships that lasted long after their children had left my care. Knowing my home became a place where lifelong relationships began is something I will always treasure.
People often ask if I miss it.
The answer is simple...every single day.
I miss all of it.
I miss the toys scattered across the floor. I miss the crayons that somehow always ended up in someone's mouth. I miss wiping little noses, reading the same story over and over, singing silly songs, hearing belly laughs, and receiving those unexpected hugs that could brighten any day.
But more than anything, I miss the relationships. I miss watching children grow from babies into confident young people. I miss seeing siblings come through my doors years apart. I miss the conversations with parents at drop-off and pick-up. So many of you became more than daycare families—you became part of my extended family.
It's funny how life comes full circle. I began this journey by learning the importance of becoming licensed and doing things the right way. Today, while I'm no longer "Ms. Angie" every day, I still have the privilege of working in childcare—just from a different perspective. As a Registration Coordinator in New York, I help guide child care providers as they open and maintain their businesses while ensuring they meet state regulations. While my title is different from the Licensing Specialist role I once dreamed about, my purpose remains the same: supporting quality child care and the incredible providers who dedicate their lives to children every day.
To every child who ever called me "Ms. Angie," and to every parent who trusted me with your greatest treasure...thank you. You gave me so much more than a career. You gave me purpose, friendships, laughter, lessons, and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I miss every single one of you.
If you ever find yourselves heading north, remember I'm only about seven hours away. My door is always open, my phone number hasn't changed, and I would absolutely love to catch up and hear where life has taken you and your families.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your story.
You will always be one of the greatest chapters in mine. ❤️
