Home Away From Home Child Care Center Inc.

11/21/2025

Child care closing sale

With our last public sale scheduled for this Saturday 11/22 from 8am-4pm I wanted to remind everyone that we still have lots of items that can be used in a program or given as gifts for Pennies on the dollar. We all know that toys and equipment costs add up fast and children get bored with the same old toys day in and day out. We still have tons of books most sorted by topic. Some are even hardcover and/ or in new condition . I also have theme boxes that we used to make planning easier. They contain not only books but art activity examples and some even include some small toys or related cookie cutters, dressups or plastic figures to enhance your block play center. I still also have a table top light box and translucent toys to add to the fun. As far as equipment and furniture we have tables, chairs, shelves and 2 cribs. There to much to mention it all. It would be worth your time to stop by and check it all out for yourself. Better yet if you spend $100 or more we will take 10% off your total. Our address is 7523 Flora Ave, Maplewood MO 63143. Hope to see you tomorrow!

11/01/2025

Today was a bitter sweet day! The kids had a blast showing off their costumes, along with creating and eating some yummy Halloween themed foods. All of the smiles, hugs, and happy sounds made the day as successful as a last day could be. I want to extend a special thanks to Ms Jada and Ms Lily. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to keep our doors open untill today. To our families, thanks so much for all the love and support and for sharing your precious children with us.

10/16/2025

With almost 2 weeks left till Home Away From Home ceases operations we are starting the incredibly daunting task of getting ready to sell all the wonderful toys and equipment we have accumulated. We have set aside Saturday November 15 and Saturday November 22 from 8-4 in hopes of finding homes for it all. If you or someone you know is interested , please stop by to see what’s available. If you are looking for something specific feel free to DM me and I will see what I can do. Below are just a few of the things we will have available.
Thanks, Ann

10/08/2025

Dear Families and Friends of Home Away From Home,
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share this news with you. Since opening our doors in 1996, I have been truly grateful for the many children and families who have joined us on this journey. Unfortunately, our journey will soon come to a close: on October 31, 2025, Home Away From Home will end operations and close its doors for good. I hope our valued staff will remain with us until then; however, if circumstances require them to move on sooner, the closure may occur earlier. After thorough consideration, we have determined that there is no other viable option.
Reasons for Closure
• Rising Operating Costs: Over time, our expenses have increased sharply, including a 250% rise in property taxes, a 200% increase in liability insurance, and a 50% reduction in reimbursement from the Food Program.
• Personal Challenges: On a personal level, various challenges—including health concerns—have made it harder for me to provide the level of care and attention that our children deserve each day.
• Reduced Support: While government assistance during Covid allowed us to keep going, the shift toward universal preschool has resulted in less support for smaller programs like ours.
Thank you to every family who has chosen and trusted us with your children’s care and education. The past 27 years have been an incredible blessing. In the coming weeks I will be working to find homes for all the equipment and supplies we have accumulated. If you are interested in anything please feel free to reach out either by phone or DM. I will also post sale dates as soon as those are set.

Much love,
Ann Bouwhuis

Send a message to learn more

02/09/2025

Home Away From Home Child Care, located at 7523 Flora Ave, has been serving the Maplewood community since 1996. We are currently seeking to add a part time assistant to our team. If you are at least 18 years old and have what it takes to work with children ages 6 weeks through 6 years Call Ann ASAP for more details. 314- 644-2425 or email your resume to [email protected]

01/06/2025

Due to the hazardous road conditions cause by the winter weather in our area we will be closed tomorrow, Monday , January 6th. Be safe Everyone!!

11/04/2024

We know that young children learn best when engaging their senses. A simple thing like carving a pumpkin to create a Jack-o’-lantern can be a great sensory experience. It’s always fun to see how each child reacts to the look of what they find inside , the smell of what they find and of course there is always at least one that is courageous enough to be the first one to reach inside and grab a handful!

10/21/2024

Fall is such a fun time with lots to discover and explore. Apples and pumpkins are a favorite theme that offers many opportunities to incorporate endless activities including language, math, science, as well as fine and large motor activities. After we talked about how pumpkins grow and how they come in many different colors, shapes and sizes the children practiced their Eye/Hand Coordination and strengthened their fine motor control by hammering golf tees into a large pumpkin. This also offered opportunities to practice turn taking and waiting.

10/08/2024

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month!!

08/13/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wrkXGvPWf6vVrW2w/?

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN

Acknowledging children when they are crying in an empathetic way helps children to feel understood and loved.