Mission and Method

Nice to meet you! Please allow me to give you an idea of who I am as a person and a mother, since that's what I'd want to know first about someone caring for my son.

I'm Rashida. I'm 37, engaged to my high school sweetheart, Mar, and Kendi is our first child. He's 4, very spirited and beautifully smart. I've been able to stay at home and care for Kendi by providing child care for other families in a stimulating, family environment.  Having spent years working in my fields of study (Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education) and since my fiance and I are both from large, close-knit families, it's so important to us to help other kids develop in a family-like environment when possible, it just feels like a more nurturing option.

I can provide full time care (Monday - Friday 7:30 am. - 6:30 pm.) for children from infancy to age 5. I believe in active learning through guided play and engaging the children in lots of hands-on creative activities. I'm a 'play at home mom' and this is the approach I take in our daily activities! Humans learn best when learning is fun, so every element of our day is full of laughter and learning! But to give the children a sense of consistency and structure I do maintain a loose daily schedule which includes:

--Story Times - Books based on the theme of the month.
--Sit and Share Time - We gather together to share a story, song and dance or game.
--Snack Time - I provide the snacks and children can chose their own from their designated snack options. Snack items get changed weekly to give the kids some variety.
--Lunch Time - Lunch is made fresh daily! Often the children help in lunch prep too. Snacks and lunch are eaten as a group.
--Nap Time
--Outside Time (Weather permitting) - Exercise time! We have an enclosed backyard and a large park with a playground within short walking distance. We run, jump, chase bubbles, play hopscotch, anything that keeps us moving!

--Art/Writing Time - Whether it's through pictures or words, this time is for the kids to express themselves! This time can get messy so aprons and smocks are provided but they don't catch all the messes so I advice the parents to send a change of clothes if you would prefer your child stay mess-free. All art and writing materials provided are non-toxic and washable.

We have an art section, a reading section, a quiet spot, a music section, a kitchen with 'home' activities (kitchen tools, tool box, dress up clothes and dress up dolls, etc) and a table for eating and crafts. I like to keep a variety of activities in the room for the children but organized in a way that the children can maintain it and navigate it alone.

The children help to pick a theme for each month, like transportation or jungle animals, and we chose activities around the theme. We find theme-based crafts, songs and books and I provide a list of other theme-based activities to the parents giving the kids and parents something to focus on throughout the day.

USDA'S MyPlate

I allow the children guided access to the kitchen, for example letting them help make snacks and providing a space just for their utensils and snacks. The kids love the independence of being able to get their own snack stuff! Menus are made weekly with the kids' help of whole, healthy, nutritious foods and 100% juices. I take this as an opportunity to teach about a healthy balance of foods, and I'm excited to incorporate the USDA's new food plate in our menu selection. I am willing to accommodate special dietary needs and allergies.

Since it can be difficult to be away from your children and want to share in more of their daily moments and for your security and peace of mind, picture and video updates on your child can be sent via email or to your cell phone. I'm in the process of setting up a secure live streaming service to allow parents to monitor your children at any time through a safe and secure live video. I also provide 'How Was My Day!' daily updates via email.

I know that every child is very different but needs just as much love and attention, and I understand these are your children we're discussing so an open information exchange is important. And of course I can provide references.

My email address is rashidasimmons@gmail.com and my number is 443-424-2011.

I look very forward to meeting you and your family!
Mama Shida

Our son reads one of his new favorite books 'Life Doesn't Frighten Me At All' a poem by Maya Angelou featuring the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. He's only 3, we're really proud of our li'l nerd! :)