07/16/2026
Hi! I’m Mara Hutchens. I run Sunshine Smiles Childcare out of my home. I’ve been doing my own home daycare since July 2017. Prior to that, I worked at a daycare, elementary before and after school care, gym child watch, preschool gym&swim class and babysat/summer nannied since my Safe Sitter certification at 11 years old. Taking care of kiddos is part of who I am!
I’ve had a few people ask me how I keep my daycare running, with only being open until 4:30, and closing on Tuesdays. What about the families who need Tuesdays or later pick up?
I’m not for everyone. I know that. But I am for certain people. I’m for the families who only need part time. I’m for the families who have a grandparent around who want to make sure they have that special weekly time with their grandkid, but can’t commit to 5 days a week. I’m for the families who work nights and need to sleep during the day. I’m for the families who work from home and need a close to home option- shoutout to all my Wyndstone neighbors! I’m for the families who just need a day or two to get the appointments taken care of and run errands.
As for why I choose these days/hours?
Well, I’m mom to FIVE little humans. I need my evenings free to run them to ALL of the sports. I need one day a week to run errands and go to appointments and clean up around the house. I also have found that I’m the best version of myself when I have the one day. And that’s best for everyone.
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, we might be for you. If you value outside time and messy play, we might be for you. If you want your child to be loved and cared for as if they were my own kids, we might be for you. If you want your child to be taught how to be a good person, how to be responsible, to be caring, to show empathy, to be a friend, we might be for you. If you want your child to dance, laugh, explore, get messy, read, sing, follow their interests, we might be for you.
I’m not for everyone, but send me a message if you think I might be for you! If you aren’t looking for childcare, I’d love if you could share this post to try and reach someone who could be a good fit.
