I am happy to be opening my home to families looking for loving care for their children in a family home setting. Come visit us at our new location in Ottawa's lovely Crystal Beach neighbourhood.
Our children are our most precious and amazing gift.
They are the continuation of our ancestry, and the future generation for the world in which we live.
In the fast pace society in which we live and work it is important to set aside time, and create a space which allows children the room to play, reflect, and simply be children.
At The Cozy Treehouse ~ Happy Heart Family Daycare we are dedicated to providing a fun, healthy, nourishing, play centred kinesthetic learning environment. Where the child is celebrated.
Children are given a chance to spend plenty of time exploring nature on the many paths throughout the forest on Ottawa's Greenbelt. Where we encounter many lovely animals daily, including deer, wild turkeys and a wonderful array of other birds and crawling species. It is a fun and inspiring playground for the children. Lot's of room to run and breathe. Other nice features include: a baseball diamond, play structure, and a basketball court, all surrounded by forest.
In the fast pace society in which we live and work it is important to set aside time, and create a space which allows children the room to play, reflect, and simply be children.
At The Cozy Treehouse ~ Happy Heart Family Daycare we are dedicated to providing a fun, healthy, nourishing, play centred kinesthetic learning environment. Where the child is celebrated.
Children are given a chance to spend plenty of time exploring nature on the many paths throughout the forest on Ottawa's Greenbelt. Where we encounter many lovely animals daily, including deer, wild turkeys and a wonderful array of other birds and crawling species. It is a fun and inspiring playground for the children. Lot's of room to run and breathe. Other nice features include: a baseball diamond, play structure, and a basketball court, all surrounded by forest.
I am honoured and excited to be sharing in such an important journey with children and their families.
Cozy Treehouse Fun:
Everyday we will be expanding our relationship with ourselves, each other, and the natural world around us.
Nurturing the child's relationship with nature:
A fun and healthy activity that we take part in is gathering seeds in the fall to grow an organic garden in the spring. Caring for plants is enjoyable, and gives the children a sense of responsibility. It's all year round fun, as we nurture the indoor plants as well. The children are able to witness how their food gets on their plate, and they take pride in this process. Planting seeds, nurturing the plants throughout their growth, harvesting yummy fruits and veggies, and then collecting seeds once again for replanting.
Places we like to explore:
The canal and ponds, Dog parks, playgrounds, the arboretum, museums, the library, local farms, the children's garden, playgroups, and our own backyard :)
Nurturing the child's relationship with nature:
A fun and healthy activity that we take part in is gathering seeds in the fall to grow an organic garden in the spring. Caring for plants is enjoyable, and gives the children a sense of responsibility. It's all year round fun, as we nurture the indoor plants as well. The children are able to witness how their food gets on their plate, and they take pride in this process. Planting seeds, nurturing the plants throughout their growth, harvesting yummy fruits and veggies, and then collecting seeds once again for replanting.
Places we like to explore:
The canal and ponds, Dog parks, playgrounds, the arboretum, museums, the library, local farms, the children's garden, playgroups, and our own backyard :)
Gathering treasures in nature is a favourite activity amongst the children. We have a nature table which displays their findings. We also use these nature table treasures to make cool art and craft projects with.
Creative happenings take place daily, whether it be drawing, building, painting, singing, dancing or theatre.
Story time is a daily favourite. We keep a wide variety of books on hand from our weekly trips to the library.
The children love to read during quiet time.
Creative happenings take place daily, whether it be drawing, building, painting, singing, dancing or theatre.
Story time is a daily favourite. We keep a wide variety of books on hand from our weekly trips to the library.
The children love to read during quiet time.
Plenty of time is reserved for free play. Free play helps the children to nurture their own rhythm and creativity, and allows them room to nurture independent thought. This aids in the development of social skills, and confidence.
Children love music and dancing. I have an assortment of drums and instruments that the children get a chance to explore daily during music and movement time.
A healthy diet is important. Lunch and two snacks will be provided each day, made from natural organic ingredients and bought locally where possible. The meals and snacks are mostly gluten and sugar free.
A little bit about me:
Safety first:
- Police check clearance √
- Police check clearance √
- child CPR and first aid certification √
- recent references √
I am the mother of two beautiful young children who attend the daycare (when they're not at school).
I've spent the last 4 years running daycares and the last 12 years working with children in a variety of settings.
♡ From 2010- present I've run the Cozy Treehouse Family daycare out of my home.
♡ 2009- 2010 I helped create and run a daycare above a community cafe, and co-created a community garden/play area for the people of the neighbourhood, the daycare, and the cafe to use.
Spending time with children is such a pleasure. It is very rewarding watching them learn and grow.
Providing a stimulating and nurturing space for children to thrive in is important to me.
Other jobs I've had working with children:
Kindergarten classroom helper: I completed a coop placement as a teachers helper in a junior kindergarten class in Carleton Place, Ontario. Where I helped guide activities for children facing social, and learning difficulties in the classroom.
Camp councillor at Lanark children's haven. An overnight camp for special needs adults and underprivileged children. I was the program facilitator for a program called, The cozy corner. This was a program I co-created with the manager for children with anxiety and anger issues, and had a hard time working in a group setting. The cozy corner gave the children a chance to have one on one attention, explore arts and crafts in a more intimate group setting, play music, and take part in more relaxed activities.
I also became a certified canoe instructor, and helped guide a children's wilderness camping group on a private lake adventure.
Community and the arts:
I've helped in the organization of community fundraisers that aid in the awareness and support of families living in poverty. I was in charge of organizing and facilitating the children's craft area.
A little bit more about me:
I love animals and nature, and have a dog named Esher.
I am a free form dance facilitator and am currently studying with different dance groups and styles.
I love to sing and perform. I've lead song circles / group sing alongs at retirement homes, museums, group homes, city hall meetings, festivals, community centres, cafes, parties, pubs, theatres, and everyday at daycare :)
I am a drumming enthusiast and keep a variety of instruments available for the children to use . Music is good release and helps build coordination.
I am a certified laughter yoga leader. Hohohoho hahahaahahaha... Haven't heard of it? It is fun and therapeutic. Get over your inhibitions, reduce stress, kick the blues, build community, have fun and increase happiness in your life by laughing together more :D
I use laughter yoga for fun warm ups, games and for photography with the children, they love it!
I am very interested in nutrition and health food and have both cooked and served at two vegetarian restaurants in Ottawa. This experience helps me to cook up yummy, healthy food, and to do it fast if needed.
I have served on the board of directors for the Glebe housing coop. Volunteering in the secretarial and presidential positions.
I enjoy helping build community and am currently a birth companion with Mother Craft Ottawa. Where I'm given the opportunity to support mothers in their pregnancy, birthing, and with their new families. It is an incredible and rewarding experience welcoming babies into the world, and an honour to support families, as well as watch their little wonders grow.
** Children are wonderful teachers. They have a remarkable ability to express themselves genuinely, and live in the moment, keeping those around them present and more open to life's magic.
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"They are gifts of peace to the world"
"They are gifts of peace to the world"
For more information on daycare or to schedule an interview please contact me (Sarah) at: be.dance@live.ca ~ or call 613 421 5877.
