Spring Ahead Childcare, LLC

Our Teachers

Since 2004, Erica Ward has been caring for her community’s children and families.  Her career as an Early Childhood Educator began within a Center based program, working hand-in-hand with seasoned educators who shared knowledge for the strong base to which she has built her professionalism over the years. Erica owns and operates Spring Ahead Childcare, LLC since 2015 in the community of Milton, Vermont. Erica has been a local Network leader alongside Laura Butler since 2018. Erica holds a CDA credential in Family Childcare and is working towards her Associates Degree in Early Education. Her passions outside of Early Education include the natural world, exploring native plants and creatures, bird watching, and spending quality time with family, friends, and pets.

Philosophy

Spring Ahead Childcare, LLC   (802)343-2216   [email protected]

Erica Ward’s Philosophy

As a registered family child care provider that offers care for children 6 weeks to 10 years of age, I am committed to providing a safe, high-quality program for children and their families in the Milton community that is play based in emergent learning as well as seasonal opportunities to explore our world. I strive to offer social, emotional, cognitive, gross and fine motor skills, as well as work ethic, affection, care for animals and the environment as well as basic arts and crafts and exploration to help children develop their sense of self worth and personality. I support and encourage the development of creative and social skills through sensory play and active modeling of problem solving. 

It is my responsibility to be a role model that shares information, and also helps the child use resources to find information in books, small informational clips, each other and hands-on activities. I believe that a child learns best by example, and all children and families learn from one another. I find great value in student-led ideas and activities and encourage children to lead in their learning. I encourage families to share their traditions and help me to understand how to incorporate their families culture into our learning. 

Every child has an equal value in my program, and I support inclusion of children with diverse abilities and disabilities as well as those from ethnic and religious backgrounds. 

I encourage active communication on a daily basis with face to face drop off and pick up as well as daily sheets for infants and toddlers to communicate basic daily routine such as diaper changes, food fed to your child and their preference of eating as well as when they rest. I also find text to be very effective in the communication of any pertinent information regarding your child and family. I encourage parents to keep a consistent expectation with their children to help them aid in their emotional learning and growth. Explanation and redirection are key learning aspects to my teacher approach. 

I hold a valid CDA credential as well as CPR and First Aid training. As a teacher I will go to trainings that will pertain to child development and the fields of professionalism each year that will total at least 15 hours if not more. I also support the professional field of childcare providers by leading our local VT Early Childhood Network here in Milton, as well as a NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders fellow.

I strive to become the best teacher for your child I can possibly be, and take pride in my home and environment. When you come into my home, my goal is for you and your child to feel welcomed and comfortable. My aim is to help your child develop into a happy, healthy individual who will know right from wrong and learn that respect and hard work get you where you want to be now and in the future.

I appreciate the interest that you have taken in me. 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Erica Ward

Location

Living in a square shaped neighborhood makes for an amazing environment where everyone waves, traffic is minimal, and the children can enjoy exploring in the neighborhood during nature walks and strolls. Located just down the road from Husky.

About our program

As a home-based provider, I strive to give your child a loving place to learn, grow, and play! I take pride in having taught children since 2004 when I first started working in Early Education classrooms. In 2022, a former student of mine reached out to become a Junior- helper in my program at the age of 13. This student talks of the impact and experiences that she can still recall from her younger years in my care.

Admissions

Join the Spring Ahead Childcare, LLC community in three easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Spring Ahead Childcare, LLC unique. You can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future. If you are offered a position for your child, a one hour play date (parent required to stay) to see the main flow of the day will be scheduled, followed by a 1/2 (morning) day to allow your child to transition into care before starting your full-time schedule. The first 2 weeks of enrollment are for assessment to ensure that Spring Ahead Childcare, LLC is a good fit for your child and family.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/spring-ahead-childcare,-llc-8998/apply – note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.