Sarah Cares

Our Teachers

Hi there! We’re Sarah and Austin. We’re a wife and husband team running a warm, home-based child care program rooted in family values, hands-on learning, and strong community ties. Our journey into early childhood care began after our own struggles to find the kind of nurturing, dependable care we wanted for our daughter. Now, we’re proud to offer that same level of quality and compassion to families in our community. As parents of two children, one of which is homeschooled, we understand how important it is to have child care that feels like an extension of home. Sarah brings over 70 hours of specialized training, including in socioemotional development and supporting children with diverse needs. She also participates in monthly professional development through Child Care Connections of Muskegon and FCCNs, staying connected and up-to-date with best practices. Austin’s background in construction and mechanics adds creativity and problem-solving to the program, along with a calm, steady presence that children love. Our strong communication and teamwork as co-parents extend into our child care philosophy, helping us create a space filled with consistency, patience, and connection. We also work closely with two amazing part-time staff members who help us provide attentive, personalized care every day. We’re certified in CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sleep, and committed to providing a safe, engaging, and loving environment where children can thrive. We can’t wait to welcome your family into our little community!

Philosophy

At Sarah Cares, we believe that early learning thrives in a nurturing, playful, and engaging environment, one that supports every child’s curiosity, creativity, and sense of belonging.

Our home-based program blends play-based learning, nature exploration, and STEM experiences to create a well-rounded foundation for young minds. Whether it’s building with blocks, racing cars down tracks, or exploring early science and math concepts through hands-on art projects, children are encouraged to follow their interests and learn through joyful discovery. Outdoor play is a cornerstone of our approach. With a spacious, fenced-in yard, children spend plenty of time outside—digging in the sand, climbing on the playset, or engaging in open-ended exploration that builds confidence, coordination, and imagination. We view nature not just as a backdrop, but as a teacher.

Sarah’s extensive child development training shapes every aspect of our program. Our goal is to create a safe, consistent, and enriching space where each child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. At Sarah Cares, learning is joyful, childhood is celebrated, and every child is met with kindness, patience, and respect.

Location

We are located in Sullivan Township, which is technically part of Ravenna, in a very rural area. We live two doors down from a pretty popular blueberry farm. Lots of fresh air and room to roam.

About our program

At Sarah Cares, we’ve created a home-based child care program that’s more than just a place to drop off your child - it’s an extension of your family. Since opening our doors in September 2023, we’ve been proud to offer a warm, nurturing environment where children are loved, respected, and supported every step of the way.

As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of consistency, safety, and trust. Our co-parenting approach emphasizes strong communication and shared values, which carries over into the way we run our program: grounded in connection, teamwork, and care.

We are proud to be 4-star rated by Great Start to Quality, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Our days are rooted in play-based and nature-based learning, with plenty of time outdoors. Children explore our large yard, visit our duck coop to collect eggs, and learn about the natural world—from buzzing bees to budding plants—through hands-on experiences. Animal friends like our bearded dragon “Reptar” and our gentle family dog “Graceland” are beloved parts of daily life, encouraging empathy and curiosity.

We believe that food is fuel, and every meal is an opportunity to nourish growing minds and bodies. We serve homemade meals and snacks made from scratch—no artificial dyes, processed foods, or shortcuts. Our menus are filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, often sourced from local farms and markets.

We make birthdays and holidays extra special and filled with joy. But more than anything, we aim to be a stable and trusted presence in each family’s life - a place where children build skills like problem solving and kindness, and where lasting memories are made every day.