For families

Small-group care your child will love

After-school, daytime and school-break care for children from newborn to 8 years old, with outdoor play, learning and local adventures built into every day.

How enrollment worksSafety & pickup
Four children playing together around a rope hammock in the woods

Looking for after-school or daytime care?

Caring for children from newborn to 8 years old

  • After-school

    A cozy, small-group way to spend the afternoon once the final bell rings.

  • Daytime

    Unhurried days of play, learning and exploration with a group that fits your child.

  • School breaks

    When school's out, the adventures keep right on going.

Our approach

  • 1

    Play is how children learn

    Open-ended play, stories and hands-on projects build curiosity, language and confidence.

  • 2

    Small groups, real relationships

    Children are known by name and cared for in small groups matched by age.

  • 3

    The neighborhood is our classroom

    Parks, gardens and museums turn everyday outings into discoveries.

  • 4

    Families and caregivers are partners

    Clear communication and shared expectations keep everyone on the same page.

A wall of colorful children's drawings

A day at The Willow House

  1. A warm welcome

    Children arrive, settle in and reconnect with their group.

  2. Outdoor play

    Fresh air, nature and room to run, weather permitting.

  3. Create & learn

    Hands-on projects, stories and playful learning.

  4. Local adventures

    Parks, museums and neighborhood outings.

  5. Heading home

    Pickup with a friendly update on the day.

Each group's rhythm is shaped by its children's ages. Babies and toddlers follow their own nap and feeding routines.

How enrollment works

  1. 1

    Say hello

    Call us and tell us a little about your family and the care you are looking for.

  2. 2

    Talk it through

    We will learn about your child's age, routines and interests, talk through your schedule, and answer your questions.

  3. 3

    Complete enrollment

    We will confirm days, times and availability, then complete your enrollment agreement, emergency contacts, health and allergy information, and authorized pickup list.

  4. 4

    Welcome to The Willow House

    Your child joins a small group matched by age, with a gentle start that suits them.

Safety & pickup

  • Caregivers complete background checks
  • Current infant and child CPR & first aid certification required

  • Authorized pickup only

    Children are released only to parents or guardians and to the adults named on your authorized pickup list.

  • Photo ID at pickup

    We will ask to see ID from anyone we have not met. Please tell us ahead of time if someone new will be picking up.

  • Drop-off & pick-up

    Times are set at enrollment. We ask for a heads-up if plans change or you are running late.

  • Health & allergies

    We keep medical needs, allergies and emergency contacts on file for every child and review them with you at enrollment.

  • Safe sleep for infants

    Babies sleep on their backs in a safe, separate sleep space, following current pediatric safe-sleep guidance.

  • Outings & adventures

    Local outings take place with your written permission, with children kept together and supervised in small groups.

Good to know

What ages do you care for?

We care for children from newborn to 8 years old. Groups are small and thoughtfully matched by age, so every child gets the attention and activities that suit them.

Are your caregivers background-checked and CPR certified?

Yes. Every caregiver is required to complete a background check and to hold current infant and child CPR and first aid certification.

What types of care do you offer?

After-school care, daytime care and school-break care. Schedules are set at enrollment based on what works for your family.

How do I get started?

Give us a call at (201) 207-5710. We will talk through your needs and walk you through the enrollment steps above.

What are your rates and availability?

Give us a call and we will go over current rates and availability with you. Payment terms are shared in writing at enrollment.

What if my child is sick?

Children with a fever, vomiting or a contagious illness should stay home until they are well. If your child becomes unwell during the day, we will contact you right away and ask that they be picked up promptly. Full guidelines are in your enrollment agreement.

What about absences and schedule changes?

Please give as much notice as you can for absences, vacations and schedule changes. Notice and cancellation terms are outlined in your enrollment agreement.

What if I am running late at pickup?

Please call us as soon as you know. Late pickup terms, including any applicable fees, are outlined in your enrollment agreement.

How do you handle weather?

Outdoor play is a big part of our days. We dress for the weather and move activities indoors when conditions are not safe or comfortable.

Will you take or share photos of my child?

Only with a parent's written permission. You choose what, if anything, is shared.

Let's Connect!

Get in touch

Looking for after-school or daytime care? We would love to hear about your family.

Start with a conversation

Call to ask questions, check availability, or begin enrollment.

(201) 207-5710
Call (201) 207-5710