Our Story

About Ayeshah's Childcare

A home built on love, education, and the conviction that the toddler years deserve more than just supervision.

Ayeshah
Owner & Primary Caregiver
10+ years as an elementary school teacher
Master's degree in Business Administration
First Aid & CPR Certified (infant included)
Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Register Check — both adults in the home
Commercial liability insurance in place
Mon–Fri, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Halifax, Nova Scotia

"Abundant Love, and Learning Through Play, Equals a Bright and Happy Child."

Who We Are

More Than Childcare — A Second Home

My name is Ayeshah, and this daycare is more than a business — it is a calling. I spent over ten years as an elementary school teacher before opening this home daycare, and teaching has always been my deepest passion.

I hold a Master's degree in Business Administration, which may seem an unusual credential for a caregiver — but it shapes how I run a professional, transparent, and well-organised daycare environment that parents can genuinely trust.

What drives me every day is watching a toddler who arrived shy and uncertain grow into a confident, curious child who walks into preschool ready for everything ahead. I have been privileged to witness that transformation with hundreds of children over the years.

We come from a community where children address adults as "Auntie" and "Uncle" — a mark of respect and belonging. Every child in our care knows me as Auntie Ayeshah, and that relationship is real.

Apply for a Spot

Our Approach

Why Same-Age Care Changes Everything

Every structural decision we make flows from one core belief: toddlers thrive when they are surrounded by peers at the same developmental stage.

01

Equal attention for every child

When there are no infants in the room, no child's needs disproportionately consume the caregiver's time. Every toddler receives full, focused attention.

02

Shared routines build confidence

When all children follow the same schedule, predictability reduces anxiety. Children know what comes next, and that security lets them take on new challenges.

03

Peer learning accelerates development

Watching a friend use the potty, try a new food, or ask politely for a toy is one of the most powerful motivators a toddler has. Same-age peers model for each other constantly.

04

School-readiness is intentional

We loosely follow a Montessori philosophy — nurturing natural curiosity, fostering independence, and building knowledge through play rather than rote instruction.

The Toddler Years

We exclusively care for children in the following age range:

Our Focus
20 Months – 4 Years
What Children Learn Here
Alphabet & number concepts · Colours & shapes · Animals & vocabulary · Crafts & creativity · Social skills & sharing · Routines & independence · Potty training · Outdoor play & physical development
What They Leave With
Every child who completes their toddler years with us walks into preschool confident, prepared, and genuinely eager to learn.

"Children who have been with us through their toddler years are more than prepared for preschool. They will have a knowledge and grasp of colours, counting, shapes, and animals that prepares them thoroughly for their journey into the school system."

Typical Day

A Day in Our Daycare

Consistent routines are the foundation of a toddler's security. Here is what a typical day looks like:

8:00 – 9:00 am

Arrival & Free Play

Children arrive, settle in, and begin unstructured indoor play. Parents drop off at the door — children are greeted at the entrance.

9:00 – 9:30 am

Morning Snack

A healthy snack provided by the daycare. Children sit together, building mealtime habits and conversation.

9:30 – 11:00 am

Outdoor Play

Weather permitting, an hour or more in our fully fenced yard with playground equipment. Running, climbing, slides, bubbles, and games.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Crafts, Learning & Story Time

Structured activities — crafts, alphabet and number introduction, shapes, colours. Children take home a craft book to share with parents each Friday.

12:00 – 12:30 pm

Lunch

Children enjoy the lunch packed by their parents — a meaningful connection to home. We encourage independence in eating.

12:00 – 2:00 pm

Nap Time

All children rest on their own cots. At 2–3 years old, children need 12–14 hours of sleep including an afternoon nap. This routine also makes bedtime easier at home.

2:00 – 4:30 pm

Afternoon Play & Snack

Afternoon snack followed by free play indoors or outside until pickup. Parents arrive at the door at 4:30pm sharp.

Throughout the Day

You Stay Connected

We send photos and videos to parents throughout the day so you can see exactly what your child is doing, learning, and enjoying — in real time.

No brief sign-out sheet. A genuine window into your child's day.

General Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Drop-off cutoff 10:00 am
No pickup/dropoff 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Early drop-off (by request) From 7:30 am

Fees at a Glance

Full-time (4–5 days)$250/week ($50/day)
3 days/week$55/day
2 days/week$60/day

Childcare expenses are tax-deductible — up to $8,000 per child under 7. Your effective cost may be significantly lower. Learn more →

Our Credentials

Professional, Insured & Accountable

Fully Insured

Commercial general liability insurance in place to protect every family in our care.

First Aid & CPR Certified

Current certification including infant CPR from a recognized program.

Vulnerable Sector Checks

Current vulnerable sector checks and child abuse register checks for both adults residing in the home.

10+ Years Experience

Over a decade as an elementary school teacher before opening this daycare.

Master's in Business Admin

Professional administration, clear policies, and transparent financial practices.

Pet-Free & Smoke-Free

A clean, allergen-conscious, smoke-free environment for every child in our care.

What Parents Say

Families Who Trust Us

"My husband and I feel truly blessed to have found Ayeshah. Our son has flourished in every way possible. She has guided him through potty training and sleep regressions and has been an invaluable resource for us as parents. Her communication is outstanding and we love the daily photo updates."

N
Nat Bond-Gaudon
★★★★★

"Ayeshah creates a welcoming, comforting, and supported environment. Our daughter transitioned with minimal resistance. By end of week two she was asking for Ayeshah by name and was excited to go the next day. Ayeshah's space is clean, bright, safe — and any young child's dream."

K
Kelsey Crabbe
★★★★★

"My son loves his days at Ayeshah's 'school.' He cheers when we get in the driveway and sprints down the side of the house. Since starting, he has really started to talk so much more. Anyone looking for a smaller childcare setting — you can't go wrong."

J
Jessica Andrus
★★★★★

"Since starting with Ayeshah we have noticed nothing but positive changes in our daughter — behaviour, speech, patience, potty training. She absolutely loves getting dropped off and is always so happy in the daily photos and updates. It's great having peace of mind knowing your child is so well cared for."

K
Kelsey Alminayan
★★★★★

"Our daughter spent a year at Ayeshah's childcare and enjoyed every minute. We loved how calm and gentle Ayeshah is with the children. The daycare is bright, clean, organized and secure. We are thankful for the love and kindness shown to our daughter."

R
Robin Kean
★★★★★

"Ayeshah is extremely professional, organized, understanding and patient. Her daycare is meticulously clean and safe. She runs a home daycare just like any licensed daycare. I wouldn't want my children to go anywhere else and highly recommend her."

A
Abrar Abri
★★★★★

"Ayeshah provides an excellent balance of education and play. She has been such a caring, attentive and supportive caretaker for our daughter. We highly recommend Ayeshah to anyone looking for a safe and high quality day home."

J
Julia Spence
★★★★★