Making Memories Childcare & Preschool

Today marks our last day before summer break, and what a year it has been at Making Memories Childcare & Preschool!

This year brought so much growth, learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories. I watched friendships blossom, confidence grow, and little personalities shine. Some of our friends are heading off to kindergarten, while others are beginning new adventures as their families move to different states. This year was especially meaningful as I was honored to be recognized as Family Child Care Educator of the Year. That recognition belongs not only to me, but to the wonderful children and families who make my program so special. While it’s never easy to say goodbye, I am grateful for every moment we’ve shared and the memories we’ve made together.

This year, I spent balancing full-time childcare while attending school full-time. There were certainly some challenges, but it has been one of the most rewarding and heartwarming experiences of my career. Every class, every lesson, and every late night of studying has helped me become a stronger educator for the children and families I serve. Thank you for trusting me with your little ones. I will miss their smiles, stories, and hugs this summer, and I can’t wait to hear all about their adventures when we return. Have a safe, happy, and memory-filled summer!

Another beautiful day!! 3 more to go 😊

Flower crowns, airplane rides, and pool noodle microphones. 😊🩷🌸

This weather has been simply amazing and we have enjoyed every second of it this week!!

Today was such a sweet and emotional day as we celebrated our preschool graduate before she heads off to kindergarten next year. ❤️ It feels as though it was just yesterday that she was one of the little ones, and now here she is, ready for her next big adventure. We are so proud of you!

On this gloomy day we played with light mixing and shadows!

Yoga, meetings and obstacle courses!

Today we designed leaf insects and talked about camouflage and how some bugs can blend right into nature around them. The children used shapes to create their own bugs and had so much fun making each one different. We also continued to rip and tear our “green grass” (construction paper) for our bug projects. Using leaf numbers and a hole punch, the kids counted how many holes to punch in each leaf. Activities like this and using shape sheets to design bugs are great hands-on ways to build early math skills through counting, shapes, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence without it even feeling like “work.” We read a story about camouflage bugs and spent time talking about the different ways insects protect themselves in nature.

Yesterday we spent almost our entire morning outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Today we decided to stay indoors because of the air quality warning, but we still had lots of learning, lots of laughter, and lots of memories made. 🐞🦋🐛

I am truly grateful for my little childcare family. I feel fortunate to have each and every one of my families! They are incredibly thoughtful and kind. Thank you all! 🌻❤️🌻

I am beyond honored and grateful to share that I was named Family Childcare Educator of the Year! 💛

After more than 30 years in family childcare, this recognition means a great deal to me. I would like to thank all the amazing families who have trusted me with their children and supported my dream throughout the years.