Welcome! My name is Rebecca and I am the owner of Happy Place Home Daycare. I created this website to give visitors a glimpse into what I offer in my daycare and an opportunity to get get know me a little bit.
Let's take care of the personal stuff first...I am a mother to 3 incredibly amazing daughters. It has been such a blessing to watch them grow into the wonderful and talented kids they are today. I have lived in New Hartford for the past 14 years and I am so proud to be part of such a great community. I made the decision to open my home daycare after I began yearning to help children and families in a much different way than I previously was. What turned from a dream into a goal has now blossomed into reality and I couldn't be happier being given the honor of welcoming your family into my home. I have a passion for helping others and understand how much work it takes to maintain a happy, healthy family. I know what it's like to wonder what my child is doing during the day while I am away. I know what it's like to get home late from work, cook dinner, wash bottles, make lunches, and definitely remember to ALWAYS set the coffee pot for the next morning! I create a partnership with the families I work with, a collaboration that goes beyond working together with potty training or sharing toys. If there is something I know will make your life easier as a parent or will help your evening run smoother for your family, then I am here to help. Maybe your mornings are hectic and it's easier to send your little one here in their jammies. Maybe your evenings are even busier and I can sanitize your bottles before sending them home to cross one thing off your list. Whatever your need is, I am here to help because I understand that happy parents equal happy kids. I maintain consistent communication with the families I work with to make sure needs are met beyond caring for your little one during the day.
And now for the professional stuff...I graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors in Psychology. I spent 12 years helping children and families as a child and family therapist, parent educator, and therapeutic youth mentor. I have received certifications and training in all areas of development, and have extensive knowledge of infant and child behavior and developmentally appropriate expectations.
I am certified to administer the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), which is a developmental screening tool used by early educators and healthcare professionals to pinpoint developmental progress in children between the ages of 1 month to 5 ½ years. Evidence shows that the earlier development is assessed, the greater chance children have of meeting their potential. I administer the ASQ to all children in my care and discuss the outcomes with parents, unless, of course, parents choose to opt out of utilizing this tool. Together we develop a plan to improve any skills that fall within the “monitoring zone,” as well as elaborate on any strengths that are discovered. If any significant deficits are found then I am able to make appropriate referrals if parents wish.
More information on the ASQ can be found by visiting http://www.agesandstages.com
I am also certified in the Parent as Teachers Model and use this along with the daily curriculum I personally created in my daycare. The Parents as Teachers Model “promotes the optimal early development, learning and health of young children,” and provides an “evidence-based, research-informed model”. The Parents as Teachers Model is one of the best programs available to prepare children for school readiness and life long success.
More information on the Parents as Teachers Model can be found by visiting http://www.parentsasteachers.org
Please feel free to peek around and click "Contact" to ask any questions or schedule a tour!
