Please feel free to visit my website for more information

About Me
My name is Rachel Stone.  I have spent most of my life caring for children in numerous ways.  My life is not satisfying unless I am surrounded by children.  Their minds are amazing!  I have seven nieces and nephews whom I love dearly. My husband and I are expecting our first.  My hobbies include jogging, collecting rocks, singing, dancing, and being outside enjoying all forms of nature.  I love sharing these hobbies with children. 

Philosophy
I believe childcare is much more than taking care of a child's basic needs.  Infants need more than changing diapers and being fed.  They need stimulation to help them develop emotionally and physically.  Children of all ages need to be sung and read to on a daily basis.  Each child deserves planned out activities which include objectives to help them learn.  Infants can join you in songs when you help them clap their hands and shake an instrument.  Toddlers love sensory activities when they are allowed to get messy and they love to help clean up.  Preschoolers need to be challenged with new problems to solve.  A good childcare provider helps a child to reach their fullest potential at any age.  You can encourage an infant to walk, motivate a toddler while potty training, or help a preschool child learn to write their name.  Consistency is very important when working with young children.  They want to feel comfortable with your expectations and they want to know what is coming next in the schedule each day.  I believe in guidance rather than punishment.  Children should have consequences when appropriate, but they need to make sense to help the child learn and grow rather than leave them feeling hurt and unloved.  I will continue my education in Early Childhood because new research gives me new ways to see through the eyes of a child.

Program
I have a unique classroom set up in my home to help children learn through play and planned weekly activities including art, large motor, sensory, books, and music.  I have a small group of five children that will learn and grow together.

Experience
I started babysitting children when I was 12 and I have continued to do so in my adult life.  When I turned 18 I began working at an in home childcare where I stayed part time for three years.  Every job I had after that involved caring for children including childcare centers, nannying, and working in a nursery at a church.  I spent several hours with children in all settings during practicums.  I received my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Southeast Community College.  I then received my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Teaching at College of Saint Mary.  I have always wanted to open my own center and my experience and education have helped prepare me to do so.

Early Learning Program
I am opening an Elite Infant Center in my home which will become a toddler room and preschool program as the children grow.  Your child will benefit from being with children their own age and more one on one attention.  I am only accepting three infants.

Policies
When you call or e-mail me to set up an interview you will take a tour of the infant room, read through my parent handbook, ask any questions you may have, and bring the contract home to look over.  Then you call me if you’re interested in joining Angels on Earth.

Additional Information:
Each child will benefit from a portfolio that will include observations, photographs, and art work documenting their growth.