Parent Handbook for after school care:

                               In-Home Day Care Program:

Prairie Home Kids provides a full-day day care program that emulates a home environment. PHK is open from 7AM-5PM, Monday through Friday. PHK is closed on major holidays and for an extended Thanksgiving and Holiday break each year.

At PHK, older more experienced learners scaffold younger learners through play activities. Infants are provided an interesting environment, attentive caregivers, as well as attentive older playmates. Toddlers are provided with new experiences and an environment built for exploration, including, but not limited to: physical, social/emotional and cognitive development. Preschoolers are provided with experiences that bridge the gap between the investigative toddler and school-ready kindergartners.  Preschools are expected to model standing in line,waiting for a turn and serving lunch to younger friends. 

                                    Daily Schedule:
Breakfast is served at 8:30 AM and structured activities begin after breakfast. Toddlers and preschool children are provided with breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Infants follow their own eating, sleeping and socializing schedules.

    • 7:00 to 8:30 choice time
    • 8:30 to 9:00 breakfast
    • 9:00 to 9:30 free play

9:30 to 10:30 directed activities
    • 10:30 to 11:45 outdoor or large motor activities
    • 12:00 to 1:00 bathroom break / lunch / bathroom break
    • 1:00 to 3:00 nap / quiet time
    • 3:00 to 3:30 bathroom break and snacks
    • 3:30 to 4:00 story time
    • 4:00 to departure outside choice time / large muscle

**Nap time is provided in the early afternoon and all children are expected to participate. Children should remain on their cots during rest time.  If children do not fall asleep during the first hour, they may participate in quiet activities during the second hour.

                                   General Information
At PHK, we keep holiday activities centered on the children's capabilities, interest and needs.  We are sensitive to cultural diversity and encourage all parents to share holiday celebrations with us.  Components of our celebrations are creative art, singing, and stories.

Inherent at Prairie Home Kids is a concern for the role of the parent as the major influence in the child’s life.  Whenever possible we involve the parents in the program through special events, casual conversations and scheduled meetings on a wide range of topics.  Parents are welcome to come and observe at PHK when convenient, volunteer to help in the classrooms, or join the class for lunch.  If the visits at anytime interfere with the classroom routine and or the activities of the children, we will work with you to set up an appropriate time to visit.

                             Admission, Enrollment and Tuition

    • *Prairie Home Kids was established to provide excellent care for the children 3 months to 5 years of age.  We intentionally have a very small enrollment.
    • *Returning students will be provided space first. Siblings will have a legacy.  A wait list is kept for interested families.
    • *To apply, complete an application and remit a non -refundable application fee.
    • *Applicants will be notified of their status by May 31. At that time two weeks tuition will be paid to hold the slot until the beginning of school. The deposit will be applied to the last two weeks tuition. 
    • *All forms must be completed prior to the first day of school.
  • *Please contact Prairie Home Kids directly about current tuition rates for in-home day care.