Our PhilosophyWelcome to Tracy's Tikes Day-Care & Preschool (Montesano) and Tracy's Tikes Early Learning Center (Aberdeen). Our philosophy is to give children a safe, fun, and educational place to be while their parents/guardians work or attend to personal business or interests. We strive to build strong partnerships with families to make sure their child is getting the highest quality care possible.
We provide opportunities for children to be together in a setting that is conducive to the development of wholesome social relationships. Emotionally supporting the child with what is going on in their lives, both inside and outside of our child care walls. We provide opportunities for meaningful play that is based on the child's individual needs, abilities, and interests. We lay the groundwork for the important foundations for future learning and skills. Areas of interest include arts & crafts, music, books, science, dramatic play, blocks, fine & gross motor, outdoor play, and language & literacy skills.
Our philosophy supports play-based learning and we feel our place is to lead when need be, but more importantly, to facilitate the environment where a child can explore while also feeling safe and loved. Creating fun activities for children to work on by themselves, with one another, or in larger groups. Giving the children the tools needed to develop to their full potential in the domains of cognitive, physical, social, and emotional learning. Most importantly, to be fantastic role models for them through our interactions, attitudes, and dependability.
We have created a curriculum to make children think. Activities will add wonder and encourage imagination. All activities are age based and planned activities are developed so that everyone present can participate. Receiving encouragement and praise for their had work and not just for their final product. We want children to experience and to be introduced to as much as possible while they are here. The children will also have access to a wide range of age appropriate toys to create whatever they can imagine.
At Tracy's Tikes, we firmly believe that children benefit from staff's continued education, whether that be in the form of college credits or education through state approved training courses offered within the community. Certain trainings and certifications are required. CPR/First Aid/ Blood Borne Pathogens recertification training happens every 2 years. Food handlers permits are required of all staff as well as safe sleep training. Department of Children, Youth, and Families also requires background checks on all staff that has access to children and is completed every 3 years. Within 5 years of hire date, all staff is required to complete the state initial and short certificates.
All staff are required to behave in a manner that is respectful, responsible, and professional. Staff are held to the highest standards to make sure that we are operating the program at the highest quality. All staff are expected to be on time, maintain good hygiene, and dress appropriately. Staff is trained to uphold confidentiality when discussing children, families, and other staff members. Interactions with children are to be friendly, educational, loving, supportive, and most importantly in a manner that makes children feel safe and cared for.
All staff coming into the child care to work or volunteer are trained on the program policies and procedures by the provider. When new regulations are put in place, staff are trained accordingly as well as at least once annually. Staff is continually supervised and observed. Those observations are shared with staff continually and are meant to ensure proper training and modeling of best practices.
Staff are required to be aware of what the children are doing at all times and be available to assist or redirect activities when necessary. If the children are in an area that is out of sight, staff will frequently go into that area to check on them. Infants and toddlers must remain in sight and hearing range (active supervision) at all times, while children 3 years and older must remain in sight or hearing range. Depending on the individuals child, staff decides on how closely to supervise the child. This is based around age, abilities, environment layout, risk levels of the activity, or if there are any hazards nearby. These practices are the standard indoors, outdoors, and during transportation.
"The most important benefit we have received from Tracy's Tikes is the peace of mind we have in knowing our son is given & shown outstanding care. We are 100% confident with every drop-off that he is cared for and treated for the individual he is, not just a statistic in every day operations. My husband & I both value the thriving learning environment the program produces. Our child never ceases to amaze us with all that he learns at Tracy's Tikes. From some of his first words, to knowing his colors, to beginning to count, we can without a doubt know that he continues to grow and learn in the best environment possible. Currently, at 2.5 years old, our son's favorite part of daycare is the social interaction. He is constantly telling us stories of all his friends, including staff. He wakes up every morning excited to go see everyone. Every child & staff member are making lasting memories in his heart. And for that, we are eternally grateful."- McDougall
"The benefits our family has received from having our daughter in childcare with Tracy's Tikes are innumerable. I'd say one of the biggest benefits is having a partner in our child's growth and development. I can bring any concern to staff and we can come up with a plan to address it while in daycare and at home, keeping continuity and making things easier on my daughter. Another aspect is flexibility: the ability to work with staff as our personal and work schedules change knowing we won't be penalized and transitions will be smooth. I value the individualized care my daughter receives. She feels cared for and valued. I appreciate that staff allow my daughter independence to grow while knowing if she has a problem there are safe, caring adults that will help her address anything. My daughter loves all of the learning activities that she gets to do with her childcare from fun science experiments, field trips (when safe to do so), and special traditions like costume parties and pajama days." - Danielle Russell
"The top two benefits I received as a parent was my child's security and growth. We received the security of knowing our daughter was safe, healthy, and secure at all times in Tracy's care. This was accomplished by Tracy through her structured regime, diligent planning, as well as her in-depth and consistent communication. My child's growth, while in Tracy's care, far exceeded any alternative childcare setup. While receiving care through Tracy's organization, my child was fully enriched with not only an abundance of tools for learning; but standards of character, confidence, socialization, and values. What I value most about the program is the level standard of care that Tracy's provides to each child. It is truly the exceptional level of care and love, provided in the fairest and just fashion, that is the foundation of valuation of the program. Beginning the program at the age of 6 months, my child was taught and shown inclusivity and respect. This was not only demonstrated in the care provided by the staff, but in the actions of the surrounding children. My child was shown mutual respect and taught to reciprocate respect; which has resulted in lifelong bonds created through Tracy's organization." - Nicole Schoch
Describe benefits your family received from our program? " Preschool and support during the school closures with distance learning. Tracy was very proactive with planning and contingent planning which really saved us. She provides care, academic support, and fun activities for the kids in a clean and caring environment."
What do you value most about our program? "Personal touch from birthday celebrations to holiday based festivities. It's nice to have a daycare ran by a local community member who is vested in our community. She sponsors local youth sports teams and volunteers in all her spare time."
What does your child love most about our program? "He trusts and cares about Tracy and her staff. The sense of community has really helped Alex fit in and get started on the right foot." - Tammy Kallgren