Thankful! 

I know that I have so many things to be thankful for this year.  The daycare business continues to thrive.  I have great families and feel very appreciated. 

I think that is something you always hope for in a career.  I feel better about my journey as a daycare provider every year.  The kids have grown so much over the winter.   Everyone is walking and crawling, eating lunch at the same time.  I will have a baby start March of 2026 & another baby start in July 2026. I have their siblings already.  Its fun to see the kids learn so many new things.   

The new year is a great way to start fresh. Winter gives me time to be creative and come up with activities and ways to keep the kids busy. I'm looking for games that work for all my different age groups. We are stuck inside till spring, because I choose to not take the kids outside in the winter.  This is a lot less stress on me and if the kids don't have everything to go outside then I don't have to worry about keeping track of it.  

Holidays and birthdays parties are a huge part of daycare.  We celebrate everything and everyone!  I have several 2 yr olds which keeps me on my toes.  Finding ways to keep them from knocking over towers and snatching toys are the main things I'm having to redirect them which is a skill in itself.  

I made a wish list for new toys, focusing on outside toys for the next three months.  We are so ready to be outside every day after nap.  I decided this year I was going to plan 4 months at a time this will keep me more organized, then I won't feel rushed to get things ready. 

My three, 3 yr old girls have been preschool activities Tuesday & Thursday mornings during the school year.  I have workbooks and have made several things to help them learn.  It's exciting to see them recognize letters and write their names.   

January- I designed 12 months of craft ideas.  I used a large envelope to keep all the cutout patterns or get things ready to make the craft.  This helps with the purchase of supplies that I need to make the crafts. 

February-I planned birthdays and holiday parties for 6 months.  It's nice to have things done so I can have everything I need for the activities, usually I'm hurrying to get things ordered.  

March- Paperwork is still my least favorite part of day.  I'm getting everything up to date to file my taxes. I usually dread this time of year, but since I designed my worksheets and updated all my policies it's made things so much easier.  I have several spreadsheets that keep everything organized.  

April-I plan to design sensory bins to help the kids learn letters, numbers and shapes.  I also have activities that need to be laminated. I have several build the character for a fun way to keep them engaged and help them learn taking turns and being creative. 

My Daycare Business Kit that is editable and can help your existing daycare or start your in-home daycare.  Everything is included from interview, policies and spreadsheets to track your expenses. beacons.ai/todayiminspired

                                                                                                                                                                                                

Staying organized and planning is key for me to keep everything running smoothly.  I have also learned I am able to order items and not have to go shopping all the time when I have supplies on hand.  

Happy planning & creating fun indoor and outdoor spaces for your daycare kids.  

                      MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU PEACE, JOY, AND HAPPINESS!

Valentine's Day backdrop

with our Lovebugs!     
                                            

Spring & Summer Fun Ideas.....

 

I get so excited when I know the weather is going to 

heat up and we're goingto be going outside every day.  

Our winters are so long so the excitement of planning

activities for the summer becomes one of my favorite parts 

of being a daycare provider.  The summer weather has gotten

off to a slow start. 

The weather has been rainy and cool in South Dakota.

Once the weather stays above 70 degrees we will be outside

every day after nap. We go outside from 315pm-515pm.  I try

to find some new activity every yearto make or try for

my 4-5 year old's to play. 

Water activities is always one of their favorites.  I set it

up during nap twice a week. I use large clear totes with 

yellow ducks, blue star noodles, the kids use strainer scoops

to scoop them out and put in a bucket. 

I have a totes with magnetic fish and fish tot e that has nets. 

This year I made a water tube wall with small totes that have

plastic measuring cups to scoop water and pour into top of funnel

to run down the tube. It's a great way to cool off while learning

some much needed motor skills.  

The bubble bucket got an update so I can set it out and the kids
 
can blow bubbles anytime.  This has been such a great addition to

our outside toys. I added a waterproof rug and homemade sunshad

to the baby area beside the shed. This area is great for the 

toddlers to go back and forth to play and explore the yard.  

The metal airplane that I got last fall is one of their 

favorite outside toys.  It definitely makes them take turns and 

learn how to share.  The sandbox is the all time favorite, 

dinosaurs and cars are always a go to.  

I decided to leave the kitchens inside the one side of the shed, we call it

the playhouse, the kids love cooking me food and bringing it to me to try.  

I'm working on storage for toys and supplies on the shelves in the shed. 

It will make it easier to rotate toys.  

We spend a lot of time outside; hula hoop jump, we are tossing bean bags
 in the hoops. Red Light/Green Light & What time is it Mr. Shark?  

Everyone takes turns even the 2yr old's it's hilarious. 

             The kids love holding up the signs themselves and turning them,

              they have figured the game out quickly.

                          We have several birthdays this summer.  

                              Each child gets their own party. 

                         They love to celebrate with their friends.

    Summer crafts include April showers, Father's Day Dino-Mite!,

    lightening bugs, a fish and Summer party blower frog. 

Mother's Day Craft

  Themes are a great way to introduce a book and talk about the item 

we are making.  I have been saving boxes so the kids could use them 

to build towers,car wash or a house. 

I never realized how much fun they could have with boxes. 

Best part they are free and easy to replace if they get crushed.  

I have a few scooping games that can be used with or without water. 

Bowling Creamer Pins is a fun birthday game outside,

All of I put my toys back in the shed if we are going to get rain,

this is extra work but the toys stay in good working order so 

this cuts back on replacing toys every year.  

I'm looking for ideas that keep my 3,4,5 yr old's busy, learning 

and having fun. Our summers always go by so quickly. Picnic lunch, 

ice cream sandwiches and of course fresh fruit are part of our 

summer plans.  I gave my 4 school kids that when to school this 

fall a note and a wooden cross. We are to lead our children to Jesus.

I would love for you to share craft ideas, toys or activities 

that you do to keep your kids busy. 

Enjoy Your Summer as it comes to an end.  Continue Loving What You Do!

Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord

Spring Is Here !

I loved sharing last year and decided to continue posting this year but I wanted the information to be about the seasons.  I like to create ideas and plan activities for the daycare. This is also a way for me to not feel pressured our rushed to post every month.

Excited to share the parties and ideas for the first few months of the year!

 

 Spring is here in South Dakota, and we are excited to head outside and create memories at daycare

 

Spending time outside getting fresh air with the kids is one of my favorite things to do and just letting them be outside to run and play. It is so fun to see them learn while being active. I also think that being outside is easier sometimes for me because it’s more similar to free play and there aren’t as many rules. Also, just reinforcing safe and acceptable activities; I just like them to be able to enjoy themselves when they’re out there.

 

My number one priority is to make sure the outdoors is safe. I have put a lot of time and effort into creating a lot of activities that are game based as well as exciting so that I don’t have to worry about having any accidents

 

I know how much I loved being outside when I was a kid and I want to create a similar experience for them. It really helps strengthen their creativity when they are allowed to come up with their own ideas.  And of course, being with their friends and experiencing what the outdoor can offer

 

The other bonus of being outside is that we can eat snack out there and the mess will stay out there.

 

I do request my Daycare parents to make sure that they bring shoes that are a little easier for my kids to get on and off themselves.  It tends to get hectic when they’re all trying to get them on.   Parents seem to be OK with this request.

I want them to remember that they may only have one or two kids, but I have 10 or 12 which is a lot if they are all needing help with shoes.

A very good friend of mine comes 2 to 3 days a week just to be another set of eyes when we’re outside and they absolutely love her. It helps ensure everyone is being monitored and gives me a little bit of a break.

 

I like to rotate toys when we’re outside just like I do inside. There are certain things that they can play with every day which are the sandbox toys and of course the giant airplane.  I like them to pick certain things and then we play with them.  For example, the tunnel or the big bag toss and we also have a big bowling set that I made. I made it myself and would be willing to show any of you that are interested how to make one as well.

 

Planning for craft ideas and for the holidays really helps stay organized for each holiday that comes along.   I have my crafts cut up and prepared ahead of time which really saves time, so we are able to focus on the activity itself and not so much of the prep work. 

 

Easter is my favorite holiday and it’s so much fun to put a party together, make treats, and plan activities for us to do.

 

We get very excited when the sun starts coming out and the snow starts melting;

we know that it will soon be time to go outside.

 

It’s a great time to brainstorm and come up with either new toy ideas, activities, or games to keep them interested.

A few ideas and favorites I have are hula hoops for hopping & rolling balls in, bubble station, ball shot (this will take some creativity).

I am currently working on creating outdoor sensory items for them to do. Some are with water and another one which is a matching game with toys that they have to scoop out and find the match on a laminated card.

 

My backyard right now does not have a lot of shade so that is a working project. My husband is really great about helping me create items for my kids which will last and are good quality.

 

I will have two 5-year-old kids this summer, so they really need to be busy and not become bored so I’m thinking of maybe doing a couple obstacle course things either with cones or hula hoops.  Another option is some kind of jumping game or something that would challenge them while also being fun.

 

Music is a must! My kids love to dance and sing when they’re outside, so I always have a bluetooth speaker blasting. I’m sure my neighbors just love it.

 

Happy Spring to everyone.

 

Enjoy the pictures, I will post more as we add toys or activities to the outside space.

 

 

 

                                        

 Easter is my favorite holiday and it’s so much fun to put a party together get treats and plan activities for the kids. 

Isaiah 43:18-19:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." 

Business Plan/New Year

 I like to say I'm prepared for tax season. But it takes me a few months to gather all my receipts and put everything in a spreadsheet.  I spent time last year designing a spreadsheet to make things easier to put into categories and separate my purchases.  Taxes are intimating for a lot of people, I don't like to do paperwork but it is a huge part of my business.  

My best advice is to hire a very good tax accountant.  Someone that is knowledgeable in your business and knows what the laws are in your state.  I provide all my information in the spreadsheet I use and my tax lady appreciated that it is very itemized.  That being said I am planning on making the tax prep sheet that you can purchase through my website; beacons.ai/todayiminspired

I have spent many years trying to create my check in/check out spreadsheet for my daily use of family information.  The one I created has family name, date, times and keeps track of payments.  I literally have 12 sheets to total at the end of the year and this has become so easy to do monthly or yearly tax totals for my daycare families.  Everything is on one sheet per month and I'm not having to flip back and forth through a calendar.  I wasted so much time over the years trying other ways and this has been working for me for the last 10 years.  I am going to make the family total sheet available for purchase on my website; beacons.ai/todayiminspired

This year I have decided to make a list of toys, equipment and supplies I want to add or replace.  I plan to make a monthly budget and see if I can stay on budget in 2025.  My other goal is to have birthday presents for each age group and child ready the month before, this will help with overspending or buying unnecessary items.  

Grocery and supply list are must to help remember items that need to be reordered.  I printed the list out and laminated it, I put it on my refrigerator and circle the items when they need to be repurchased.  I order my groceries and supplies online once a month for daycare.  It keeps my receipts separate and then I don't have to sort through items to know if they are for my family or daycare.  This takes the guess work out of your daily, weekly and monthly planning.  

Bookkeeping is my least favorite thing about my job!  I need to learn to budget monthly for equipment, toys and large purchases.  I should have that figured out after all these years but honestly I have always just bought things and not saved which I don't suggest doing.  

I'm going to start giving myself a payroll check in 2025.  This is something I have tried in the past but it just seems easier to put my money in a separate account and pay for the expenses out of there.  

Keeping good financial records is key to your business success.  

I have created several worksheets that help keep you organized and the new year is a great time to start your new business practices. This is an investment and can be used for years to come.  Everything is printable and editable.  

I hope the new year finds you healthy and happy doing what you love.  

Excited to see what 2025 has instore for us all.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

                            This verse encourages gratitude for each new day as a gift from God,

                           inviting you to embrace it with joy.         

        beacons.ai/todayiminspired 

Winter Indoor Activities

 South Dakota is known for it's very long winters.  So with that being said, mid-October is when we start having to stay inside.  This doesn't fair well with my daycare kids. Planning ideas to keep them active and burn off their energy is key to our happiness.  I have to get pretty creative with ideas or boredom with set in quickly. 

I pick from a variety of age-appropriate activities, several are game based. I love to allow kids to have choices. I also incorporate music channels and dancing as part of our daily routine. TV is my absolute last resort.

Here are a few activities I often use: hulu hoops, musical numbers & shapes, balloons, dance parties.  toss game with bean bags, popcorn kernel/shakers, bowling using coffee creamer containers filled with rice.  Felt boards, animal matching and board games to name a few more of my ideas.  

The 3 and up kids, play sensory bin activities. There are also a lot of ABC and numbers. I will often include holiday items or themed activities.  We sometimes have a movie days when the kids need rest or a quieter environment.    We read books to help them calm down prior to everyone going home for the day.

Some months I pick craft projects based books we have read.  It's a great way to get your kids interested in story time and learn about what the characters or book is all about.   

The indoor play yard area for the 9 mo.-20 mo. Kids.  It has a crib mattress that they jump on, rocking horse, cars, stacking blocks and several age-appropriate toys.  This area provides a safe place for younger kids when the older age group is dancing and playing games. 

Most of the songs are interactive and the kids love it!  For the song " 5 Green & Speckled Frogs", we use a blanket as the pool and have the kids jump off the log into it; so much fun! The songs "What time is it Mr. Shark?" and "Red Light Green Light" can be very loud and wild, but when you have been inside all winter you need to welcome wild sometimes. 

We have a scheduled holiday crafts which is another way to match the activities with a theme.  Birthday parties also help pass the long winter days.

I know several daycares that do a toy rotation and that seems to help. Introducing new toys or finding thrifted toys to add to your selection is a good way to keep the kids interested.  I separate my kids by age after snack.  The older kids, 3 and up, stay at the table and pick from fun and learning activities. The 1 year and 2 year old toddlers play with barn and zoo animal or color & number games.  I have shape sorters, letter/music hand held toys, pop its and tons of board books.  My husband made a ball sorter that they love. 

If you have the space available you could add a climber, tunnel or playhouse for inside.  I have also made a castle and tunnels out of refrigerator or upright freezer boxes. I cut doors and windows so the kids could walk around inside and look out the windows I left to it up for a month.

You can keep things simple or be super creative.  The main goal is to keep them excited to learn and play.  

If you have other ideas, I would love for you to share them with me.  

I will say of the Lord, " He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91: 1-2

It's All In The Planning!

Crafts

Planning is key! I use my calendar and mark down birthdays and holidays. This helps with picking themes and finding ideas for each month. 

My favorite place to find ideas is Pinterest.  I pin ideas all year long and am able to pick from several of the ideas.    I usually recreate the idea to make it age appropriate for my daycare kids. My main goal is to have a craft they can do themselves.  

I plan 12 months at a time and use lists to help me organize, prepare and plan.  Supply list can be made from the monthly craft ideas. Prepping and cutting the craft ahead of time helps me stay organized and not feel rushed when it's time for the activity which is key when your working with these age groups.

Making sure you choose age-appropriate crafts is another way to ensure the activities go smoothly. I make a example of the craft ahead of time for kids that are 3 and under, which also serves as a visual to help the older children see what their craft is going to look like.  It is a great guide for them and they are able to see the finished project.  

When I choose holiday crafts, I make sure I have 2 different choices because of difficulty/skill level or the ages of my children in daycare. 

Birthdays

Birthdays are a "big deal" at my house and everyone gets their own party.  Even if there is more than one birthday in that month, each child still gets their own party.   The child gets to choose the color and that helps me choose the theme or decorations for that party.  I shop at the $ Tree, I can find balloons, decorations, party supplies, and supplies for game to make the celebration fun.  

I use plastic table clothes to make back drop and the birthday banner make it fun for my kids to feel special on their day.  The backdrops are great for photos with their friends.  I include games and create fun activities for the birthday parties.  

These are a few of my go-to birthday games:

sticky ball toss                            music shakers                        freeze dance            

fishing game                               turtle matching game   

Danny Go is our new favorite dance show to make our day fun!

Holiday Parties

Here is a list of the holidays we celebrate and the activities I incorporate at the parties.

Valentine's Day/We decorate treat bags, play games and exchange candy.

Easter/Make easter baskets, decorate eggs and have a easter egg hunt.

4th of July/Red, white and blue craft and outside water table to help us cool off.

Halloween/Decorate treat bags, trick or treat in the house and play fun games in our costumes.

I love to create a fun experience throughout the year, no matter what the day. My daycare kids learn to celebrate their friends as well as themselves and get excited for the monthly crafts.  

All of these ideas can work with any budget and the remember the ideas is to create an experience for the kids in your care.  The smallest gesture can create and incredible impact on the kids in your care, leaving them memories to hold forever.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.