"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn."

-- O. Fred Donaldson

About Me

My name is Keri, and I am a married mother of one with one on the way. My husband and I have been married since 2003, and since 2007 we have been extremely lucky to be the parents of a wonderful little boy named Nicholas.
I've always known that I wanted to work with children. I received my Education degree from the University of Alberta in 2003 with a specialization in Elementary music. After graduating I taught music overseas in England before returning home to teach with Edmonton Public Schools. Until leaving to go on maternity leave I was employed as a music teacher with Edmonton Public at an elementary school in Millwoods. I also had the privilege to teach Social studies, art and Science during my time there.
During my year of Maternity leave I reflected on my time as a teacher. I loved what I did and really enjoyed working with the children and parents. However I found that I struggled with the politics and bureaucracy what went along with the district. I wanted to work with children, not have to worry about the district. I toyed with the idea of opening a dayhome, but decided to start working towards my Certified General Accounting degree instead.

In September 2008 I went back to work in the accounting department of a major oil corporation, but I found that I was not as happy as I was when I was teaching. I missed working with children. I missed the smiles and the happy faces when they have those "Ah-ha" moments. I knew I had to work with children again. So in May 2009 I left my comfy office job and decided to open a dayhome. June 1^st 2009 we opened and I have truly enjoyed it ever since.

My Husband

    My husband's name is Matthew, or Matt for short, and starting September 1st he will work full time for the University of Athabasca as a computer programmer while working part time for his own website design and IT services company. He has his degree in Science from the University of Alberta with a major in Genetics and a minor in Chemistry. The children in my home love him and he is great with them. In his spare time he enjoys SCUBA diving, and camping.

My Sons

I have 2 sons. One is name is Nicholas, born in September 2007, and the other is Edison, born October 2010. 

Nicholas has had lots of experience with other children, whether it be with my sister's six children or in the day home. You can tell that he misses the children after they go home at the end of the day and the first question he asks when he wakes up in the morning is when they are coming.

Edison is finally at an age where he is starting to interact with the other children in the house. He is starting to play with the other children, but for the most part still prefers to play on his own. He loves to walk and run around the playroom and as much as the big kids don't like it, he loves to knock over blocks and other toys they are playing with. 

Pets

We are a pet friendly dayhome. We have fish, 2 bearded dragons and 2 dogs.

The fish were given to Nicholas by his grandfather and sit in the aquarium in our main floor play room. Nicholas and the other children enjoy watching them swim around the tank from time to time and are excited when they get the chance to help care for them by helping with feeding.

The Bearded Dragons were given to Nicholas for his birthday in 2010. He named them "Dragon" and "Toothless". Their terarium is located in Nicholas's room, which remains locked during dayhome hours.  If a child wants to see them up close we wait until the parent is in the house and gives consent.

We have two Corgi-Chow cross dogs that are 6 years old. They are medium sized dogs and are incredibly child-friendly. Kojak, the boy, is shy and although he barks a lot at new people, will run in fear if he's not used to you. He is incredibly cuddly and lovable once he knows you and is like a giant teddy bear. He allows Nicholas and all the children to climb all over him and even to try riding him.

Kita, the girl, is outgoing and will love you as soon as you give her any attention. Although she won't let you climb all over her, she has never bitten or snapped at anyone. She is overprotective of both Nicholas and Kojak, and treats them as though they are her children.

Both dogs are kennel trained and during the morning drop off and afternoon pickup times will most likely be kenneled. Although the children enjoy taking them for their daily walk, the dogs do have a dog run in the backyard, separate from the play area where (weather permitting) they like to spend their day. However we do wish parents to know that they will most likely be in the house sleeping or hanging around during the day. The dogs and children are never left together unsupervised.