Questions
Questions parents ask us
Don't see your question here? Ask us on the waitlist form or at your tour.
Getting started
- Are you licensed?
- We are completing California's family child care licensing now. We won't enroll any child until our license is issued, and then we'll post our license number at the bottom of every page so you can look us up.
- What ages do you care for?
- Babies from 3 months old through children age 12.
- How many children are here at once?
- Up to 8 children, following California's rules for small family child care homes. State rules also limit how many babies we can care for at one time.
- When are you opening?
- Soon. Families on our waitlist hear our opening date first.
- Can I tour before I decide?
- Yes, and we hope you will. Join the waitlist and we'll book a time. For safety, we share our address once your tour is booked.
Hours and overnights
- Are you really open 24 hours?
- Yes, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday, including overnights on weeknights. We're closed Saturday and Sunday.
- When can I drop off for an overnight?
- Whenever your shift starts. Overnight means a sleepover, so there's no set start time: drop off in the evening, even as early as 6 pm, and pick up the next morning.
- Can my child stay more than one night in a row?
- California family child care rules require every stay to be shorter than 24 hours. Your child can stay overnight, go home, and come back for another night.
- Who watches the children at night?
- Ve or a cleared adult on our team. We stay awake whenever any child is awake, keep doors open, and use a video-and-audio monitor all night.
- What should we pack for an overnight?
- Pajamas, a toothbrush, a comfort item, and clothes for the next day. We provide clean bedding, supper, a bedtime snack, and breakfast.
- What if my shift schedule changes?
- Tell us as soon as you know. We'll swap your nights whenever space allows.
Money
- Do you accept child care assistance?
- Yes. We welcome families using Children's Home Society of California, Orange County Department of Education Family Support Services, and CalWORKs child care.
- Is there a sibling discount?
- Yes, 10% off the second child's tuition.
- Can I send my child's food instead?
- Yes. Full-time tuition is $35 a week less when you send your child's meals and snacks.
- What do babies eat?
- From 3 months until solid foods (Stardust), parents provide breast milk or formula. From about 7 to 12 months (Moonbeams), babies start purées and soft finger foods. We can make them, or you can send them, and parents still provide breast milk or formula. From 12 months (Twinkles), children move to cups and join our family-style meals.
- How much do overnights cost?
- The same weekly rate as daytime care for your child's age. Each night counts as one day of care. A single night is $95 with meals when space allows.
- What happens if I'm late for pick-up?
- Late pick-up is $1 per minute. Every family gets three 15-minute grace periods a year for the days when traffic or work runs over.
- Do I pay for holidays and sick days?
- Yes. Tuition holds your child's spot, so it stays the same on holidays we're closed and days your child is home sick.
Daily life
- What will my child do all day?
- Flash cards, writing practice, story time, yoga and meditation, family-style meals, cooking, coloring, games, gardening, music, singing, dancing, family movies, and outdoor play every day. See how we learn
- How do you handle discipline?
- With positive guidance: we redirect, teach children words for their feelings, and use a calm-down corner. We never spank, shame, threaten, or withhold food.
- Do you help with potty training?
- Yes. We work as a team with your family and follow your child's pace.
- When does a sick child need to stay home?
- With a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or a contagious rash. Children can come back after 24 hours without symptoms and without fever medicine.
- Will I get updates during the day?
- Yes. You'll get notes in our parent app about meals, naps, and activities, plus photos if you give us written permission.
- Do children watch TV or movies?
- Yes. We watch family-friendly movies and shows together.
- Do you go on field trips?
- Yes, in summer our school-age kids take field trips to beaches, farms, petting zoos, farmers markets, museums, and nature centers. Every trip needs your written permission, and we share each trip's plan ahead of time. See our summer trip ideas
- How do you get my child from school?
- A cleared adult on our team walks or drives them. If we drive, we use proper car seats and only with your written permission.