About Little Bird Child Care

My name is Mazharunnisa Ahmed; I have been living in the United States for almost 23 years. I live with my husband and two sons. I moved to Skokie when my older son was in 3rd grade, now he is Junior in College, and the younger one is Sophmore in Niles North High School.

Little Bird Child Care was named after my preschool "Little Birdies". That school was one my best childhood memories. All the teachers were caring and loving, and I learned lots of life skills from that school.

These are the reasons why I have decided to open a home based child care:

• My mom told stories of my childhood, that whenever I get a chance I always made my cousins sit in a circle and started teaching poems.
• When I was in high school, I started helping my sibblings with their homework; their grades jumped up. My dad saw this and set up a mini school at home with chalk board and other teaching materials. I was a tutor to my sibblings.
• My mom was also a teacher, but she quit her job to raise us. She always surprised me with her creativity and knowledge about child psychology. Her encouragement helps me achieve my goals.
• I volunteered in East Prairie School for 6 years helping children with Writing and Math. I was EPS PTA Room Parent Coordinator for 3 years. It was a great learning experience.
• In past, I worked as a receptionist and pharmacy technician at the Doctor’s clinic for few years. I stopped working outside because I want to spend time with my sons. Besides my own children, I had an opportunity to take care of my nieces and nephews.
• I have been volunteering in Sunday school since 5 years. I have always enjoyed being with children.

When my children were in school, I joined college and completed my Early Childhood Certificate. After the completion of my certificate, I searched to work in as a preschool teacher. Somehow, child care center was not a right fit for me at that time. I wanted do something that I feel comfortable with, I decided to open a daycare at home. I wanted to give the children the comfort of home and at the same time they can learn and play. I met other home daycare providers and found that it’s a wonderful experience. I started with After School program and loved it. I got a good feedback from parents, and my family and friends encouraged me to fulfill my dream. It has been 5 years since I started my Home Daycare; I have been licensed more than three years. I enjoy working with children. After being in the child care field for five years, I learned to design my own curriculum.

My goal to make the children feel at home, keep them safe, teach the life skills through activities, and provide healthy food as I did with my own children. The curriculum is theme based which include art, sensory, movement, math, and reading. Children will get to do free play and planned group activities. I provide healthy and mostly organic breakfast, lunch, morning and evening snacks.

I will be looking forward to be with your children; I assure you that you and your child will feel comfortable here. I can provide references from other parents, and teachers who know me for more than 3 years.