Frequently Asked Questions

What is your background/experience?  Why did you choose an in-home day-care?

I have a teaching degree and have a strong belief of lifelong learning.  I earned my income in high school and college through activities with children, and while in college I learned about formalized education.  After college I taught at the middle school level for three years, then looked to expand into the professional workforce and worked at a bank for twelve years supervising the customer service department.  Upon having my own child, as a working mom I discovered the importance of quality in-home child-care.  After a layoff at the bank I found myself at a crossroads and decided to circle back around to my love of education, but at a much younger level to provide a quality home environment for young children supporting exploration, learning and literacy from day one.  The Love and Learning Lodge opened its doors mid-August, 2010!

Are you licensed?

              Yes.  I am licensed through the state of Kansas and am trained in CPR and First Aid.

What are your hours?

              My hours of availability are 7:30 am to 5:00 pm M through F.

Will you travel outside the home with my child?

No. We engage in play and learning in our home environment with occasional walks in the neighborhood.

What will you do while my child is napping?

I have a strict “safe sleep policy” where babies will be placed on their backs, only in approved sleep items (i.e. a Pack N Play.)  Children will be checked on frequently to ensure their safety.  I attempt to plan a nap time that all children under my care nap/rest at the same time as part of their daily routine.  I use this time to tidy and clean up to ensure a safe and organized environment for your child.  It will also be used as a “planning period” in getting supplies set up for the afternoon activities, planning the next day’s meals, keeping up with record keeping, communication with parents, billing and bookkeeping, etc.

What kind of meals will you serve my child?

I believe in healthy eating and for a variety of foods to be introduced to children.  What I have found to work well is to fix meals that combine “old favorites” and something new.  I will encourage, but not force your child to eat something.  I will often serve meals that consist of something that I know your child will like, along with something that is either new, or is not yet accustomed to eating.  For example, if I know your child likes macaroni and cheese, but is not used to spinach, your child may be served both and it is up to him/her as to how much of each is eaten.  If he/she eats only the macaroni and cheese, at least he/she was exposed to the new food, and maybe next time he/she will try it!

Are you religious?

Yes, I am Christian/Catholic.  I consider faith an important part of daily life, so I will incorporate religion in small ways throughout the day.  For example, we may start meals off with a short, kid friendly, prayer such as “Thank you God for our food.  We love you.  Amen.”  We may say a short prayer of thanks for things important in our lives, or pray for our day-care friends who are sick, etc.  We may listen to some children’s Christian music, etc.  All religions are welcome, however.  If you belong to another religious faith, you can let me know and I will be happy to do a little research about your religion to ensure the environment is welcoming to all diverse religions.

How will my child spend his/her day?

Each age and stage of growing will require different types of care and activities, so it will vary upon the needs of your child.  Children learn through play, so all activities will be in the spirit of fun.  Daily routines include an emphasis on physical activity and nutrition, music and books.  Some weeks may have a theme, for example Red Foods, Balls, Animal Movements, or Feelings.  Weeks may also be assigned a letter of the alphabet as a focus to help children become familiar with the look and sound of each letter.  I incorporate age appropriate activities in the areas of math, language, science, music and physical activities- both gross and fine motor.  Infants will be talked to and read to, exposing them to as much language as possible.  Except in extreme weather conditions, children will have play time outside each day.

How much do you charge?

I understand that the cost of childcare is among the highest factors of a family’s monthly budget. My goal is to match a fair price for high quality care. Child Care Providers must factor in the cost of expenses such as daily supplies of paper towels, cleaning supplies, increased utilities, craft supplies, etc. Many providers do not have benefits such as health, dental, retirement, etc. and pay for these essentials independently. Professional providers report their income and pay self-employment taxes. All of these living expenses must be taken into consideration when determining daily fees. Please contact me to discuss more!

What happens when you need time off?

I try to provide as consistent care as possible, and you will find more about time off in the Contract, however, if I need time off for sick days, vacation or appointments, I close.  I do not bring in others that you and your children are not familiar with who do not have the same level of experience and training.  It is important that you have back up child care in place for your child.  Aside from routine dental, vision and health appointments, school conferences, and such, our family does have some medical conditions that do require a little more follow up than standard.  You can expect about two appointments per month for various reasons.  I try to give as much advance notice as possible and try to schedule at the beginning or end of the day to minimize time off.

Do you have pets?

Yes, we have three cats (Sangha, Meeko and Mushu) and two dogs (Reese’s, a Lhasa Apso, and Vanya, a miniature bulldog).  They roam the house during business hours.  I vacuum daily to help lesson any possible pet allergies that children may develop.  For the protection of both children and animals, I ask the children to follow the policy of “waving and blowing kisses” to the animals, but ask them to stay out of the animals personal space.  J

I look forward to learning more about you!

Lori A. Donlon

H 913-236-4372

C 913-850-3665

Love and Learning Lodge

5706 W. 74^th Ter.

Overland Park, KS 66204