🎉 We have TWO school-time spots available! Contact us to learn more!
Welcome to Little Squirrels DayCare
Where every day is a new adventure! We are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for your child.
Schedule a VisitOur Philosophy
The early years for a child are busy. I believe they are learning all the time to meet developmental goals. These goals are: physical, social/emotional, cognitive and communication. The goal for Little Squirrels DayCare is to make everyday a learning experience that will help guide them to their next stages of life.
I believe each child needs to feel loved, safe, and encouraged while meeting developmental goals. My special relationship with each child exceeds each of those needs and also offers security and trust.
Children are given choices, responsibilities and opportunities for learning. I believe in balancing structured learning and free play. I interact with the children in all settings to make my program work best for each individual child based on their skill level.
Meet Our Founder
Faith (Gezelman) Bendele
Faith (Gezelman) Bendele calls Chesaning, Michigan, home, where she resides with her husband Jason and son Connor. When she’s not busy, she finds joy in camping with family and friends, kayaking, and indulging in remote control car activities. As the third oldest among her 11 siblings, her love for caring for children has been a constant.
In October 2018, Faith realized her dream by establishing Little Squirrels DayCare. Her unique approach emphasizes a blend of structured learning, free play, and incorporating loose parts, which happens to be her favorite aspect. Faith not only encourages children to explore their interests but also ensures they receive the necessary support. Beyond daily care routines, she actively collaborates with parents, creating a unified front to provide a safe, secure, and loving environment for the child throughout the day.
Our Programs
Infant Program
A gentle introduction to the world, our infant program provides a safe and nurturing environment focused on sensory play, motor skill development, and building crucial bonds of trust.
Toddler Program
Encouraging exploration and independence, our toddler program focuses on language development, creative expression, and social interaction through hands-on play.
Preschool Program
Preparing children for kindergarten and beyond, our preschool program builds foundational skills in literacy, math, and science through engaging, project-based learning.
A Day in Our Life
Our schedule provides a balanced rhythm of structured activities and free play, ensuring a happy and productive day. Click any time slot to see what a typical day looks like for your Little Squirrel.
Children arrive, are greeted warmly, and have time for free play and exploration with a variety of engaging toys to ease into their day.
We encourage good habits by tidying up our play areas, followed by a scheduled bathroom break for everyone.
We enjoy a healthy, balanced breakfast together, followed by brushing our teeth to maintain healthy smiles.
This time is dedicated to themed activities, circle time, songs, and stories that introduce new concepts and build foundational skills.
We head outdoors to explore our local trail and community, where our Little Squirrels get fresh air and make new discoveries through walking, running, and playing.
Children choose their own activities from various learning centers, fostering independence and creativity.
Transition period to clean up our spaces and take a bathroom break before lunch.
We enjoy a healthy, balanced lunch together, followed by brushing our teeth to maintain healthy smiles.
A quiet time for napping or resting, allowing our bodies and minds to recharge for the afternoon.
As children wake up, they can engage in quiet free-choice activities, followed by a bathroom break.
A healthy afternoon snack is provided to refuel for the rest of the day's fun.
We enjoy a second outdoor play session, filled with games and fun activities before it's time to head home.
Our Daycare Space
What Our Families Say
"My daughter loves going to Faith's daycare. She has an early learning program set up and she has learned so much! She knows all of her colors, she can count to 10, and she can sing the alphabet. Every week she gets a Friday folder sent home."
"Since my daughter started at this daycare her development has skyrocketed! She’s learned so many words, social development, the alphabet and more. Faith does a wonderful job with the learning program and keeping a patient routine."
"We love Little Squirrels Daycare! Ms Faith is knowledgeable, creative, trustworthy, kind, and our whole family has benefited from her hard work and care. I strongly recommend Little Squirrels!"
"Never once have I questioned Faith's judgement when it comes to caring for her. The house is always spotless, and the meals are prepared well. I don't have a single complaint and would recommend little squirrels daycare to anyone that asks."
Enrollment & Required Forms
I’m delighted that you’re interested in Little Squirrels daycare! To enroll, please complete the pre-enrollment questionnaire. The provider will reach out once a suitable spot aligns with your child’s needs. Ensure you review all the required forms to fully understand the expectations.
Get in Touch
Find Us
999 Falkirk Rd, Alma, MI 48801
Phone: (989) 444-2987
Email: faithgezelman@gmail.com