Little Island

Our Little Island of Fun: Embracing Diversity Through Play and Exploration!

Program Type
Family Child Care

Basics

Meals
Breakfast and Lunch
Snacks
2 per day
Potty Training
Not Required
Language(s) Supported
English
Pay Schedules
Monthly
Subsidized Care
Accepted
Philosophy
Play-based

Our Teachers

My journey into childcare was simply put, easy. In the sense I am the oldest of 4, have been watching kiddos since I was 12, worked in and out of childcare centers, as a nanny, and am a mother of two growing teenage and pre-teen boys: It seemed very natural and after building a deep-rooted community the next step was simply putting out the word. I opened my childcare in 2019 with a break for 2020 and have been back and helping families with glee. Now some words from my staff about themselves. Hi, my name is Sab Warren (they/them), I’m 24 years old, and here is a little about me! I grew up in a small farm town near Springfield, Illinois with three younger siblings, lots of animals, and acres of nature to explore. I then went into the U.S. Army as a Logistics Specialist while going to college for Accounting and Anthropology (which y’all can guess which major ended up winning). After separating from the military, I moved to St. Louis with my Fiancé, Ryan, and 4 kitties, Boots, Willow, Chief Keef, and Pepper (pictures below) with a passion to help in any way possible and make a positive impact on my corner in the world. I worked for Planned Parenthood as a Compliance Coordinator whilst transitioning out of military life, which threw some challenges - however these challenges helped me to where I am today, taking care of kiddos with a holistic and humanistic approach to make sure your child receives the best care, is listened to, and has a good experience every day at Little Island. This passion stems through raising my little brother with developmental disabilities, learning behavioral, social, and developmental skills through foster care and child protective systems, as well as growing up as part of the LGBTQA+ community in a small town where children were not safe to be themselves. All of this, plus some more, created a passion for ALL children to develop skills in a safe, accessible, and FUN learning environment! Thank you for trusting me with y’alls little ones ❤

Philosophy

At Little Island Childcare, we are dedicated to enhancing our community by providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive. Our mission is to create a safe and loving space where every child feels empowered to explore their autonomy and develop a strong sense of self. Our Goals: Safe and Supportive Environment: We are committed to offering a secure and welcoming atmosphere where children can express their emotions freely and explore their individuality. Our goal is to foster a space where children feel valued and understood, allowing them to grow into their authentic selves. Inclusivity and Queer-Friendliness: At Little Island, we embrace diversity and proudly support the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to be a queer-friendly space where all families and identities are celebrated. Our inclusive approach ensures that every child and family feels respected and included, contributing to a rich, diverse, and accepting environment. Cultivating Confidence and Self-Knowledge: We believe in nurturing genuine, confident individuals who are well-equipped to embrace the world with a deep sense of self-awareness. Through our programs, we aim to build authentic, self-assured humans who understand and appreciate their unique identities. Our Approach: Autonomy and Emotional Growth: We provide opportunities for children to lead their learning journeys, encouraging them to take initiative and explore their interests. Our approach supports emotional development by helping children navigate their feelings and experiences in a compassionate and supportive way. Community and Connection: Little Island is more than just a childcare center; it’s a vibrant community where children, families, and staff build meaningful connections. We believe in fostering strong relationships that contribute to a supportive and collaborative environment. Our vision at Little Island is to empower children to enter the world with confidence, self-awareness, and a love for diversity. We are excited to be a part of your child’s early years and to work together in supporting their growth and development in a truly enriching environment. Thank you for choosing Little Island Childcare. We look forward to partnering with you to build a bright, inclusive future for our children.

Location

Little Island is centrally located between highway 55 and 270 and a three minute walk from the Mehlville High School. We are just down the road into our small little island oasis. We have a fully fenced back yard waiting with gardens, chickens and a rabbit.

About our program

At Little Island, we believe that every child deserves a nurturing space where they can explore, express themselves, and grow into their authentic selves. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where children have the freedom to feel their emotions, embark on adventures, and engage in meaningful learning experiences.

Rhythm of the Day

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    Arrival & Free Play
  • 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
    Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    Structured Activities (art, music, sensory play)
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    Snack
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    Outdoor Play/Nature Exploration
  • 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
    Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Nap/Quiet Time
  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
    Snack
  • 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
    Free Play & Flexible Pick-Up

Closures

  • Jan. 1
    New Year’s Day
  • Jan. 20
    Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • May 26
    Memorial Day
  • June 19
    Juneteenth
  • July 4
    Independence Day
  • Sept. 1
    Labor Day
  • Nov. 25
    Thanksgiving Day
  • Dec. 24
    Christmas Eve
  • Dec. 25
    Christmas Day
  • Dec. 31
    New Year’s Eve
Have questions about the program?
Message the Program Director directly to learn more.
Kiira Stone
Program Director