Robin

Robin Hawkins: “Robin’s Nest” - Bronzeville

Robin’s Nest is located near 43^rd and Ellis. The daycare is in a lovely newly renovated brownstone. Robin opened her home daycare in the summer of 2007. Prior to that she was working in the finance industry. She is now very pleased to be engaged in what she sees as much more meaningful and gratifying work. Robin is licensed to take up to 10 children in her home. Beginning in January 2008 the children at Robin’s Nest will be participating in frequent on-site special programming workshops led by Baby Ph.D. Network personnel. Those will include: Spanish Language, Little Readers Book Club, Music, and Creative Arts. Please see the attached documents giving additional information about Robin’s Nest.

Personal Statement

Hello, my name is Robin and I am the owner of “A Robin’s Nest”, a home-based daycare located in a recently renovated Bronzeville brownstone. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Most of my work life has been spent working in the Financial Industry as an Operations Manager. Over the past two years I worked as a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer and Realtor. Out of a wish for more meaningful work, I recently decided to change careers and dedicate myself to childcare.

My childcare background and philosophy are as follows. I am the mother of Jasmin who currently attends college. As a child, I often cared for and babysat my three younger brothers. Beginning at 15 years old, I earned money babysitting for other people. I also cared for other family members. I am now licensed by the State of Ilinois to care for up to 10 children in my home.

I believe that children are an important part of our future and I am doing my part to ensure they receive good quality child care. Anyone who knows me knows that I love dealing and working with children. It excites me to watch children grow and succeed. That is why I have decided to provide quality child care as my profession.

Robin's Nest Daily Schedule

Time	Activity	Description/Skill Focus
7:30 to 8:30	Breakfast/Sensory	Children are offered breakfast or they can do a quiet activity.
8:30 to 9:00	Outdoor Activities	Children focus on large muscle and social skills. The concept of "taking turns" is practiced.
9;00 to 9:15	Story Time	Children choose stories from the bookshelf that they wish the teacher to read.
9:15 to 10:00	Music & Movement	Children gain practice in large motor skills through movement activities to a variety of music.
10:00 to 10:30	Art/Free Choice/Snack*	Children may choose to do child initiated activities from the various centers offered. Teachers are available for assistance.
10:30 to 11:30	Circle Time	Children sing songs, participate in a learning activity, group games, and practice counting & language skills.
11:30 to 12:30	Lunch	Lunch is served in "family style." Children practice good table manors, and naming, passing and serving food. Children also learn what is considered appropriate and inappropriate table discussions.
12:30to 12:50	Set Up Beds/Wash Hands	Children set out their own mats and blankets. Children are required to wash their hands before and after each meal.
12:50 to 1:00	Brush Teeth/Quiet Reading	Children wash their face and hands and brush their teeth after lunch. Afterwards, they may choose a book or two to look at quietly on their mats.
1:00 to 1:10	Chapter Story	A chapter from a book is read every day. Children may listen as they fall asleep. Types of stories may include Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann, or The Wizard of Oz.
1:10 to 2:40	Nap	Children not needing rest are offered quiet activities to do during this time.
2:40 to 3:00	Outdoor Activities	Children are awakened. After they put their bedding away, they may choose to go outside or find a quiet activity from the various activity centers.
3:00 to 4:30	Snack/Free Choice	Children focus on large muscle and social skills. Group games may be offered during this time.
4:30 to 5:30	Outdoor Activities	Children play group games outside and practice their large motor skills.
5:30 to 6:00	Quiet Activities /Departure	Math and Computer activities are open at this time.