Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does Honey Bee Hollow serve?

Honey Bee Hollow specializes in care for infants and toddlers beginning at 6 weeks old. Most children transition to preschool around age three, but I recognize that every child develops on their own timeline. Children who are not quite ready for preschool, including those who may benefit from additional time because of developmental differences or delays, are welcome to remain at Honey Bee Hollow until they are ready for their next step.

What are your hours?

Honey Bee Hollow is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

I offer full-time, part-time, and drop-in care based on availability. Weekend care may also be available by prior arrangement.

If you're expecting a baby or looking for a nurturing, small-group setting for your infant, I encourage you to reach out early. Infant openings are limited, and I’m happy to talk with you about your family's needs and upcoming availability.

What makes Honey Bee Hollow different?

Honey Bee Hollow is a licensed family child care program specializing in the care of infants and toddlers, right here in our local community. With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, I offer families the personal connection of a small, home-based program along with experienced, intentional early childhood care.

When your child comes to Honey Bee Hollow, you know who is caring for them each day. I get to know not only each child, but their family—their routines, preferences, milestones, challenges, and all the little things that matter when someone else is caring for your baby or toddler.

Because I care for a small group, children don't have to fit into a one-size-fits-all routine. I can respond to their individual cues, personalities, interests, and developmental needs while also giving them the experience of growing, playing, and forming relationships within a familiar little group.

Our days are filled with nurturing relationships, sensory experiences, language, music, movement, outdoor exploration, and plenty of hands-on play. My goal is for Honey Bee Hollow to feel like an extension of home: a place where children are known, families are connected, and babies and toddlers have the freedom to be little while receiving thoughtful, experienced care.

Who lives in the home with Mimi?

My 13-year-old daughter and I live in the home where Honey Bee Hollow operates.

Because Honey Bee Hollow is a family child care home, families get the warmth and familiarity of a real home environment while their little ones are in my care. My daughter is part of our household, and families will have the opportunity to meet her as they become part of the Honey Bee Hollow community.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! We have a friendly cat and a small dog who are part of our family.

Both are gentle and friendly, and their health and safety are taken seriously. They receive regular veterinary care and are kept up to date on their vaccinations and vet visits.

I know that having pets in a child care home can be an important consideration for families, especially those with babies and toddlers, so I'm always happy to answer questions about our pets and how they interact with the children.

What does a typical day look like?

At Honey Bee Hollow, our day has a comfortable rhythm while still leaving plenty of room to follow each child's individual needs.

Infants follow their own schedules for bottles, meals, naps, play, and comfort. As babies grow into toddlers, they naturally begin joining more of our shared routines and activities.

Throughout the day, children enjoy sensory and messy play, books and language, music and movement, art, outdoor and nature exploration, fine- and gross-motor activities, and lots of child-led play. Meals, snacks, naps, diapering, cuddles, and quiet moments are just as much a part of the day as planned activities.

I plan experiences around the children in my care—their ages, interests, abilities, and what they are currently learning and discovering. Some days we may spend extra time outside investigating something that caught their attention; other days a favorite song, sensory activity, or story may become the focus.

There is structure to our day, but there is also flexibility. Babies and toddlers don't need to spend their day rushing from one scheduled activity to another. They need time to explore, repeat, practice, connect, and play.

Do infants have to follow a set schedule?

Not at all. Babies get to be babies here.

I follow your baby's individual rhythm for feeding, sleeping, play, and comfort. When your baby first comes to Honey Bee Hollow, I take time to learn the little things you already know so well—how they like to be held, their sleepy cues, when they're getting hungry, what makes them smile, and what helps them feel safe and settled.

I work closely with you to keep home and school as consistent as possible, especially during those early weeks of getting to know one another. And because babies grow and change so quickly, we'll keep communicating and adjusting their routine along the way.

As your baby grows into a toddler, they'll naturally begin joining more of our shared daily rhythm. There's no need to rush it. They'll get there when they're ready.

How do babies and toddlers learn at Honey Bee Hollow?

Babies and toddlers learn best by doing, and I get to be right there with them as they discover how their world works.

Learning happens naturally throughout our day through play, relationships, conversation, movement, repetition, and hands-on exploration. I talk with the children, sing with them, read to them, encourage their attempts, celebrate their discoveries, and give them the time and space they need to try things for themselves.

A baby reaching for a toy is practicing coordination and problem-solving. A toddler filling and dumping a container is discovering cause and effect and early math concepts. Songs and stories build language. Crawling, climbing, and outdoor play strengthen growing bodies. Even everyday moments like meals, diaper changes, and getting dressed become opportunities for connection, conversation, and growing independence.

I pay attention to what each child is curious about and what they are beginning to do, and then I build on those moments with new materials, experiences, words, and encouragement. Sometimes that means offering a little help; sometimes it means sitting nearby and giving them the confidence and time to figure it out.

There isn't a separate time when we suddenly start “learning.” We're learning together all day long—through the little moments, the big discoveries, and everything in between.

What do I need to bring each day?

Not much! One of the things I love about Honey Bee Hollow is making mornings a little easier for families. You shouldn't have to pack half the nursery just to get your baby out the door.

Honey Bee Hollow provides many of the everyday things your child needs, including:

• Parent's Choice® infant formula
• Diapers and pull-ups
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Sunscreen
• Age-appropriate meals and snacks
• Cups, plates, utensils, and bibs
• Burp cloths
• Cribs or cots
• Bedding and laundering
• Learning and activity materials

What families bring

Families provide:

• Bottles for infants
• Breast milk, if applicable
• Specialty or preferred formula if not using the Parent's Choice® formula I provide
• Extra clothing appropriate for the season
• Any comfort item your child uses and is permitted in child care
• Any individual items we agree your child needs

Most supplies can stay at Honey Bee Hollow and simply be replenished when needed, so you aren't packing and unpacking everything every day.

My goal is simple: fewer things for you to remember in the morning and everything your little one needs waiting for them here.

What is your weather closing policy?

I know how important reliable child care is for working families, so Honey Bee Hollow does not automatically follow public school closings or delays. I remain open during typical Connecticut winter weather whenever it is safe and possible to do so.

Honey Bee Hollow will close only in more extreme circumstances, such as a power outage that leaves my home without adequate heat or air conditioning, unsafe conditions at the property, or an official state highway closure that makes travel unsafe.

If an emergency ever requires me to close, I will let families know as quickly as possible through our usual communication channels.

My goal is to be the dependable care your family can count on, while always putting the safety of the children and families first.

What is your sick child policy?

Keeping everyone healthy is especially important in a small infant and toddler program, where children play, eat, and spend their days together.

Children must be fever-free and symptom-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to Honey Bee Hollow.

If your child becomes ill or develops a fever while in my care, I will contact you or your emergency contact and ask that your child be picked up promptly.

I know that unexpected illness can be difficult for working families, but consistently following the illness policy helps me protect your child as well as the other little ones in my care.

Is Honey Bee Hollow licensed?

Yes. Honey Bee Hollow is fully licensed by the State of Connecticut as a family child care home.

Being licensed means my program meets Connecticut requirements for health, safety, training, and the care of young children. I take those responsibilities seriously and work hard to provide families with a safe, nurturing, and professionally operated home-based child care program.

Honey Bee Hollow is also proud to be the only Elevate Plus family child care program in Branford, reflecting my continued commitment to quality, professional growth, and providing an exceptional early care and learning experience for infants and toddlers.

My license is always available for families to review upon request.

What is your drop-off and pick-up policy?

Your child's safety is always my highest priority. Children will only be released to adults who have been authorized by their parent or guardian.

If someone I don't recognize will be picking up your child, I will ask to see a photo ID before releasing them—even if you've already told me they're coming.

Please let me know ahead of time whenever possible if someone different will be picking up your child or if there is a change to your normal routine.

I also encourage families to keep drop-offs warm, loving, and consistent. A predictable goodbye helps babies and toddlers learn that Honey Bee Hollow is a safe place and that their grown-up will always come back.

Where should I park?

For both drop-off and pick-up, please park only in Honey Bee Hollow's reserved parking spaces #15 and #16, located directly in front of my home.

The surrounding reserved spaces belong to my neighbors, so please do not park in any other numbered/reserved parking space, even for a quick drop-off or pick-up.

Keeping spaces #15 and #16 available for Honey Bee Hollow families helps make arrivals and departures easier for everyone while also being respectful of my neighbors.

📋 Enrollment & Tuition

How do I enroll my child?

Getting started is easy! Complete the Enrollment Inquiry form on the Enrollment page, and I will reach out within 24 hours to learn a little more about your child, your family's care needs, and the schedule you're looking for.

From there, we'll schedule a getting-to-know-you phone call and a personal tour of Honey Bee Hollow. This gives you a chance to see where your little one will spend their days, ask questions, and get a feel for whether Honey Bee Hollow is the right fit for your family.

If we both feel it's a good match and I have an opening that meets your needs, you can secure your child's space by submitting the enrollment deposit.

Expecting a baby? You don't have to wait until your little one arrives to reach out. Infant spaces are limited, and I'm happy to talk with expecting families about future availability and potential start dates.

Do you accept Care 4 Kids or Early Start?

No. Honey Bee Hollow does not currently participate in Care 4 Kids or Early Start.

Both are valuable programs that can be wonderful resources for Connecticut families. However, the requirements and administrative structure of these programs do not work well for a very small family child care program like mine.

Because of that, Honey Bee Hollow is currently a private-pay program.

How much does tuition cost?

Full-time tuition at Honey Bee Hollow is $250 per week.

Part-time care is $60 per day, with Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday schedules available based on current openings.

Tuition includes much more than your child's time in care. Honey Bee Hollow's all-inclusive approach covers many of the everyday necessities families would otherwise need to purchase, pack, and bring back and forth—including meals and snacks, Parent's Choice® infant formula, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, sunscreen, feeding supplies, bedding and laundering, and learning materials.

What is the enrollment deposit?

To reserve your child's space at Honey Bee Hollow, an enrollment deposit equal to two weeks of tuition is required.

The deposit secures your child's spot and is non-refundable if you decide to make other child care arrangements before your child's scheduled start date.

Once your child begins care as planned, the deposit isn't an additional fee—it is applied toward your child's first and last weeks of care.

What happens when my child grows older?

Honey Bee Hollow specializes in infant and toddler care, so for most children, their time here begins during those earliest years and continues until they are ready to move on to preschool.

Most children make that transition around age three, but there is no automatic age-three cutoff. I believe the right time to move on should be based on the individual child—not simply their birthday.

Some toddlers are ready and excited for the next step, while others may benefit from additional time in the smaller, familiar environment they know and love. Children who are not quite ready for preschool, including children with developmental differences or delays, are welcome to remain at Honey Bee Hollow until they are ready.

When that time comes, I’m happy to support your family through the transition. My goal is to give babies and toddlers a strong, nurturing beginning and then help them take that next step when the time is right for them.

💬 Communication & Staying Connected

How will I receive updates about my child's day?

Open, ongoing communication is especially important during the infant and toddler years. I want you to feel connected to your child's day even when you can't be here with them.

I provide daily updates at pick-up so you know how your little one's day went, including meals, naps, diapering, activities, milestones, and anything else you should know.

Families also have access to a private app and text communication, where I can share important information, schedules, reminders, photos, and updates.

And because babies and toddlers change so quickly, communication goes both ways. I encourage you to share what's happening at home too—changes in sleep, feeding, new skills, teething, or anything else that may help me better understand and care for your child.

Leaving your baby or toddler in someone else's care is a big step. I want you to head into your day knowing your little one is safe, loved, and cared for—and that I'll keep you connected to all the little moments along the way.

What is the best way to reach you?

I'm always happy to answer questions, whether you're a current Honey Bee Hollow family or a parent considering care for your baby or toddler.

You can reach me by:

• Email: Honeybeehollowct@gmail.com
• Phone or text: 203-499-9401
• Facebook: Follow Honey Bee Hollow for Kids for program updates, community events, activities, and other news.

Current families can also reach me through our private family communication channels for questions or updates about their child.

🍯 Still have questions?

Choosing someone to care for your baby or toddler is a big decision, and I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, getting to know me, and learning more about what your child's days at Honey Bee Hollow would be like.

Whether you're expecting a baby, planning ahead for child care, or looking for a new setting for your infant or toddler, I'm always happy to talk with you about your little one, your family's needs, and what's most important to you in their care.

I know how much trust it takes to place your little one in someone else's arms. I'd love the opportunity to get to know your family, answer your questions, and show you the warm little place I've created for children to learn, play, grow, and feel at home.