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Nicole's Family Daycare and Preschool

Constructing Learning Together

We support creative thinking, invention, and a love for learning that will prepare children for kindergarten and the years beyond.

Hi There!

I'm an Early Childhood Educator who loves learning side-by-side with children and families! It is both refreshing and inspiring to watch each child's learning journey unfold.

-Nicole

Nicole's Family Daycare and Preschool

Morgan Hill

CA State License 434413562

Let’s think and act greater than the circumstances. I made up an acronym: C.O.D.E. C-cancel O-observe D.E.-direct energy We can create new steps anytime. Let’s keep creating by taking action and keeping our thoughts ahead of the physical.
A related quote I read: “At the end of the day, who we are is simply the sum of the stories we tell and the actions we take. Neither you nor your child is bound by old labels.” —Spielgaben newsletter 2025.

Let’s think and act greater than the circumstances. I made up an acronym: C.O.D.E. C-cancel O-observe D.E.-direct energy We can create new steps anytime. Let’s keep creating by taking action and keeping our thoughts ahead of the physical.
A related quote I read: “At the end of the day, who we are is simply the sum of the stories we tell and the actions we take. Neither you nor your child is bound by old labels.” —Spielgaben newsletter 2025.

From the start, everyone should feel safe, respected, adored, and cared for. Relationships are the foundation 💝 #educaring #ece #morganhillpreschool #lightplayactivities

From the start, everyone should feel safe, respected, adored, and cared for. Relationships are the foundation 💝 #educaring #ece #morganhillpreschool #lightplayactivities

We love combining materials! Jolly Phonics, group 3 letters: B O U L F G :) #multisensoryapproach #jollyphonics #sandpaperletters #morganhillpreschool #morganhilldaycare #familydaycare #turntakingskills #earlyliteracy #notchblocks

We love combining materials! Jolly Phonics, group 3 letters: B O U L F G :) #multisensoryapproach #jollyphonics #sandpaperletters #morganhillpreschool #morganhilldaycare #familydaycare #turntakingskills #earlyliteracy #notchblocks

#tomorrowmostlikely

#tomorrowmostlikely

Joyful, open-ended, sensory play.

Joyful, open-ended, sensory play.

Children are a daily reminder to be in the present. I hope you find moments of stillness this summer… where you find what you were meant to realize, perhaps with loved ones or while seeking solitude. ❤️ @ranedear #mindfulness #whatdoesitmeantobepresent #morganhillpreschool #ece #educarers #reggioinspired

Children are a daily reminder to be in the present. I hope you find moments of stillness this summer… where you find what you were meant to realize, perhaps with loved ones or while seeking solitude. ❤️ @ranedear #mindfulness #whatdoesitmeantobepresent #morganhillpreschool #ece #educarers #reggioinspired

Small-group and relationship based 💞#educarers #morganhillpreschool #morganhillkids #socialemotionaldevelopment

Small-group and relationship based 💞#educarers #morganhillpreschool #morganhillkids #socialemotionaldevelopment

Some of the early literacy activities: Jolly phonics songs with sand paper letter cards Light table letters
Jolly Phonics activity books
Letter building with the light projector
Letter Bean bag hot potato
Upper/lower case matching with letter tiles
Charting using Montessori phonics blocks & pictorial pieces
CVC Phonics read-a-long books
Pictoral tiles and letter tiles beginning letter sound 3 Jolly phonics 15-minute puppet videos Teacher read-a-loud letter books
Take home letter sound books
Take home cut/paste/write CVC word books

Some of the early literacy activities: Jolly phonics songs with sand paper letter cards Light table letters
Jolly Phonics activity books
Letter building with the light projector
Letter Bean bag hot potato
Upper/lower case matching with letter tiles
Charting using Montessori phonics blocks & pictorial pieces
CVC Phonics read-a-long books
Pictoral tiles and letter tiles beginning letter sound 3 Jolly phonics 15-minute puppet videos Teacher read-a-loud letter books
Take home letter sound books
Take home cut/paste/write CVC word books

They’re immersed in play, where they feel safe to create, practice self-regulation, and learn to honor (respect) themselves and others. #openendedplay #educaring #socialemotionaldevelopment #morganhillpreschool #ece #guidecraft_official #notchblocks

They’re immersed in play, where they feel safe to create, practice self-regulation, and learn to honor (respect) themselves and others. #openendedplay #educaring #socialemotionaldevelopment #morganhillpreschool #ece #guidecraft_official #notchblocks

Do not underestimate your ability to move forward and with that, Happy New Year :)

Do not underestimate your ability to move forward and with that, Happy New Year :)

🎶 🫶🏻 🍂

🎶 🫶🏻 🍂

Kids should develop a habit of being active outdoors. Consider this time as their brain break while their cortisol becomes lowered. The outdoor playing field levels among the different ages as it provides situations to develop authentic empathy. Children invite their friends to new challenges and they comfort a friend who has gotten hurt.

They also practice turn-taking, self-control, safe risk taking, and creating and following the rules of a game.

Their persistent usage of outdoor activities and play equipment helps grow gross motor strength and coordination in their arms and legs. #wholechild #educarers #homepreschool #morganhillpreschool

Kids should develop a habit of being active outdoors. Consider this time as their brain break while their cortisol becomes lowered. The outdoor playing field levels among the different ages as it provides situations to develop authentic empathy. Children invite their friends to new challenges and they comfort a friend who has gotten hurt.

They also practice turn-taking, self-control, safe risk taking, and creating and following the rules of a game.

Their persistent usage of outdoor activities and play equipment helps grow gross motor strength and coordination in their arms and legs. #wholechild #educarers #homepreschool #morganhillpreschool

#throughachildseyes

#throughachildseyes

Every Child is an Artist #reggioinspired #looseparts #childrenswork #developmentallyappropriate #morganhillpreschool #schemaplay

Every Child is an Artist #reggioinspired #looseparts #childrenswork #developmentallyappropriate #morganhillpreschool #schemaplay

The value of empathy and strong relationships

The value of empathy and strong relationships

Making little tastebuds happy without white sugar or flour, oh it’s possible! A few years back, I became intolerant to grains, starch and sugar. However food preparation is an instrument for joyful living. This is a grain free, lemon, vanilla cake. We called it “Bunny Bread.” A refreshing lemon, sweet bread with a sweet & tangy topping. I topped this with homemade, 24 hour yogurt. Honey replaces the sugar, almond flour replaces the wheat flour. My friend made this for her autistic daughter who follows the same diet (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). Original recipe from the cookbook, The SCD for Autism and ADHD. Top with fruit, and it’s both refreshing and delicious!

Making little tastebuds happy without white sugar or flour, oh it’s possible! A few years back, I became intolerant to grains, starch and sugar. However food preparation is an instrument for joyful living. This is a grain free, lemon, vanilla cake. We called it “Bunny Bread.” A refreshing lemon, sweet bread with a sweet & tangy topping. I topped this with homemade, 24 hour yogurt. Honey replaces the sugar, almond flour replaces the wheat flour. My friend made this for her autistic daughter who follows the same diet (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). Original recipe from the cookbook, The SCD for Autism and ADHD. Top with fruit, and it’s both refreshing and delicious!

It all begins with relationships and collaboration. Throw in food and throw out the cookie cutter curriculum. #reggioinspired

It all begins with relationships and collaboration. Throw in food and throw out the cookie cutter curriculum. #reggioinspired

These are dried flowers learning provocations (invitations to learn) from today. It was interesting to see what the children already knew as we talked about them.
This turns into a process of observing what they know, establishing what they want to find out, and inventing how we can take it further.

These are dried flowers learning provocations (invitations to learn) from today. It was interesting to see what the children already knew as we talked about them.
This turns into a process of observing what they know, establishing what they want to find out, and inventing how we can take it further.

The very first thing she wanted to do this morning. ❤️ #familychildcare

The very first thing she wanted to do this morning. ❤️ #familychildcare

Adults and children face isolation, harassment and discrimination, sometimes in more ways than one. Parents can help, starting at home. It is easy to see our identities are diverse and multidimensional. Children eventually see these differences. Encourage them to embrace differences. We are all unique. Consider how these parts of us are interpreted differently, and within social constructs. A social construct is not objective. It is not real in and of itself. Instead, it is a type of reality that results from a group or society in agreement of how to describe something. A helpful kids’ book to explain how one’s identity can be more challenging than another to younger children, (like the youngest boy in this video) is IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson, et al.
#identity #intersectionality

Adults and children face isolation, harassment and discrimination, sometimes in more ways than one. Parents can help, starting at home. It is easy to see our identities are diverse and multidimensional. Children eventually see these differences. Encourage them to embrace differences. We are all unique. Consider how these parts of us are interpreted differently, and within social constructs. A social construct is not objective. It is not real in and of itself. Instead, it is a type of reality that results from a group or society in agreement of how to describe something. A helpful kids’ book to explain how one’s identity can be more challenging than another to younger children, (like the youngest boy in this video) is IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson, et al.
#identity #intersectionality

I love this simple way of describing the variations in systems around the world. This Ted Talk demonstrates that we make assumptions "we didn't even know we had". I would like to point out that these variations occur in education and child rearing.
Let's realize that assumptions may be challenged. "Whatever brilliant ideas you have or hear, that the opposite may also be true," as Derek Sivers throws light upon. As parents and caregivers, maybe we can consider this, when we are hesitant to exchange ideas with people's values that may be different from our own. What can we learn from each other? #earlychildhoodeducation #culturalstudies #flipside

I love this simple way of describing the variations in systems around the world. This Ted Talk demonstrates that we make assumptions "we didn't even know we had". I would like to point out that these variations occur in education and child rearing.
Let's realize that assumptions may be challenged. "Whatever brilliant ideas you have or hear, that the opposite may also be true," as Derek Sivers throws light upon. As parents and caregivers, maybe we can consider this, when we are hesitant to exchange ideas with people's values that may be different from our own. What can we learn from each other? #earlychildhoodeducation #culturalstudies #flipside

Encourage children to listen to the unique stories of children around them. Maryam explains in this Ted Talk, how learning the details of a person's experience can significantly change our perception of them.
Children:
✅ can respectfully ask questions.
✅ can practice paying attention to the details.
✅ can become more open-minded.
✅ can make a friend. ❤️

Encourage children to listen to the unique stories of children around them. Maryam explains in this Ted Talk, how learning the details of a person's experience can significantly change our perception of them.
Children:
✅ can respectfully ask questions.
✅ can practice paying attention to the details.
✅ can become more open-minded.
✅ can make a friend. ❤️

Food brings children together in school. It’s part of their identity as it connects to cultural heritage, connects to family, and has many different meanings. What might children be bringing to eat on their first day of school? Here is a list of books, from The Nerdy Book Club, celebrating the different ways in which people eat.

Food brings children together in school. It’s part of their identity as it connects to cultural heritage, connects to family, and has many different meanings. What might children be bringing to eat on their first day of school? Here is a list of books, from The Nerdy Book Club, celebrating the different ways in which people eat.

Children naturally have a curiosity towards people around them. How can we teach children to relate to one another while appreciating differences? This book is an opportunity to objectively talk about differences and similarities among people around the world and in their own communities.
@jennysuekosteckishaw
#diversitybooksforkids #samesamebutdifferent

Children naturally have a curiosity towards people around them. How can we teach children to relate to one another while appreciating differences? This book is an opportunity to objectively talk about differences and similarities among people around the world and in their own communities.
@jennysuekosteckishaw
#diversitybooksforkids #samesamebutdifferent

“I’m always going to care what people think. The question is, to what degree is that going to paralyze me?” - @tealswanofficial

“I’m always going to care what people think. The question is, to what degree is that going to paralyze me?” - @tealswanofficial

Pasta Sauce!
#lifeskills #ece #reggioinspired

Pasta Sauce!
#lifeskills #ece #reggioinspired

@literature_4_kids It has been quite a pleasure spending time with Author Alicia Smith. Her children’s book The Mess promotes respectful communication towards children. Her story translates clean-up time to a useful and fun activity. The kids love the pictures, especially the messy room which they laughed about and related to. ❤️ The Mess is available on Amazon. I will be sending a signed copy home to all of our families. Thank you Alicia ❤️

@literature_4_kids It has been quite a pleasure spending time with Author Alicia Smith. Her children’s book The Mess promotes respectful communication towards children. Her story translates clean-up time to a useful and fun activity. The kids love the pictures, especially the messy room which they laughed about and related to. ❤️ The Mess is available on Amazon. I will be sending a signed copy home to all of our families. Thank you Alicia ❤️

The kids will soon engage in a popular activity known as a Thankful Tree. They can reflect on what they are thankful for. Gratitude is an important practice. Yet, we can also share and learn about what the upcoming holidays mean to our families and others. So before the celebrations begin, this invitation is here to open up this intention.

The kids will soon engage in a popular activity known as a Thankful Tree. They can reflect on what they are thankful for. Gratitude is an important practice. Yet, we can also share and learn about what the upcoming holidays mean to our families and others. So before the celebrations begin, this invitation is here to open up this intention.

Repost from Janet Lansbury. I always remember the idea that negative behavior demonstrates a need. A teacher friend told me once that it’s hard to notice a change in behavior. It doesn’t happen the next incident, or several incidents. But imagine in the hundredth opportunity, the pattern has finally changed!

Repost from Janet Lansbury. I always remember the idea that negative behavior demonstrates a need. A teacher friend told me once that it’s hard to notice a change in behavior. It doesn’t happen the next incident, or several incidents. But imagine in the hundredth opportunity, the pattern has finally changed!

This year we began using Jolly Phonics. It is a more direct approach to teaching letter sounds, letter formation, and letter blending, than the activities we have maintained in the past. However, it is child centered and I supplement the curriculum with additional kinesthetic opportunities. The kids’ enthusiasm speaks for itself!!

This year we began using Jolly Phonics. It is a more direct approach to teaching letter sounds, letter formation, and letter blending, than the activities we have maintained in the past. However, it is child centered and I supplement the curriculum with additional kinesthetic opportunities. The kids’ enthusiasm speaks for itself!!

Our new Cozy Corner

Our new Cozy Corner

Turkey Soup - recipe includes homemade yogurt, dill, and a bit of butter. 😋

Turkey Soup - recipe includes homemade yogurt, dill, and a bit of butter. 😋

Creative morning with this Pop Arte donation from a lovely Mom. #poparte #finemotorskills #reggioemiliaapproach

Creative morning with this Pop Arte donation from a lovely Mom. #poparte #finemotorskills #reggioemiliaapproach

Discovering mushrooms on some of our walks led into two weeks fun! We learned about how mushrooms grow. We grew them, measured them, harvested, cooked and ate them!

Discovering mushrooms on some of our walks led into two weeks fun! We learned about how mushrooms grow. We grew them, measured them, harvested, cooked and ate them!

Resources for white parents to raise anti-racist children:
Check out these books for children and young adults from the list of Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
Listen to the Parenting Forward podcast episode ‘Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt’
Listen to the Fare of the Free Child podcast
Read PBS’s Teaching Your Child About Black History Month
Follow The Conscious Kid on Instagram

Resources for white parents to raise anti-racist children:
Check out these books for children and young adults from the list of Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
Listen to the Parenting Forward podcast episode ‘Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt’
Listen to the Fare of the Free Child podcast
Read PBS’s Teaching Your Child About Black History Month
Follow The Conscious Kid on Instagram

Space for this growing individual to fully immerse himself in play and learn in the way that works best for him.

Space for this growing individual to fully immerse himself in play and learn in the way that works best for him.

Blended carrots, beef and tomato sauce pasta with cottage cheese and sliced apples

Blended carrots, beef and tomato sauce pasta with cottage cheese and sliced apples

Frogs and insects provocation. Learning and dreaming. #childrensrights #openendedplay #emergentcurriculum #homepreschool #educaring #funcentral

Frogs and insects provocation. Learning and dreaming. #childrensrights #openendedplay #emergentcurriculum #homepreschool #educaring #funcentral

We’re exploring new knowledge everyday that stems from his interest in all of the bug activity we see on our walks. Opening up ideas and learning side-by-side. ❤️ #naeycweekoftheyoungchild #childledlearning #wholechild #emergentcurriculum #homepreschool #educarers #nicolesfamilydaycareandpreschool

We’re exploring new knowledge everyday that stems from his interest in all of the bug activity we see on our walks. Opening up ideas and learning side-by-side. ❤️ #naeycweekoftheyoungchild #childledlearning #wholechild #emergentcurriculum #homepreschool #educarers #nicolesfamilydaycareandpreschool

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