Bright and welcoming home daycare playroom

Licensed Home Daycare

Where Little Ones Grow, Learn & Thrive

A nurturing home environment where your child receives personalized attention, creative play, and early learning experiences that build a strong foundation.

Children doing arts and crafts at daycare

About Us

A Home Away From Home for Your Little One

At Happy Little Scholars Academy, we believe every child deserves a loving, safe space where they can explore the world at their own pace. Our home daycare provides the warmth and comfort of a family setting combined with thoughtful, play-based learning experiences.

Founded by a passionate early childhood educator and mother of three, Happy Little Scholars Academy has been a trusted part of the community for over a decade. We're licensed, CPR-certified, and committed to creating an environment where children feel valued and inspired.

Nurturing Care

Every child is treated like family with warmth, patience, and individual attention.

Safe Environment

A fully childproofed, licensed home with secure indoor and outdoor play areas.

Early Learning

Age-appropriate curriculum that sparks curiosity through hands-on exploration.

Small Group Sizes

Low child-to-caregiver ratio ensures personalized attention for every child.

Our Programs

Thoughtful Care for Every Age & Stage

Each program is thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of your child, blending structured learning with plenty of time for free play and exploration.

Infant Care

6 weeks - 12 months

Gentle, responsive care tailored to your baby's unique schedule. We focus on sensory exploration, tummy time, and building secure attachment through consistent, loving routines.

  • Individualized feeding & nap schedules
  • Sensory play activities
  • Daily photo updates

Toddler Program

1 - 2 years

A hands-on program designed for busy little explorers. We encourage language development, motor skills, and social-emotional growth through guided play and discovery.

  • Music & movement
  • Nature walks
  • Early language building

Preschool Prep

3 - 4 years

Creative, play-based learning that prepares children for kindergarten. We introduce letters, numbers, science, and art in a way that feels like an adventure.

  • Pre-reading & math skills
  • Science experiments
  • Creative arts & crafts

Pre-K Program

4 - 5 years

Focused kindergarten readiness with emphasis on academic foundations, social skills, and independence. Children leave confident and eager to learn.

  • Writing & reading readiness
  • Critical thinking activities
  • Social skills development

Daily Schedule

A Day Full of Discovery & Joy

Our structured yet flexible schedule balances learning, play, nutrition, and rest to keep your child happy and engaged throughout the day.

7:00 - 8:00 AM

Arrival & Free Play

Warm welcome, quiet play, and settling in for the day.

8:00 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

Healthy, home-cooked breakfast served family-style.

8:30 - 9:30 AM

Circle Time & Learning

Songs, stories, calendar, weather, and themed learning activities.

9:30 - 10:30 AM

Outdoor Play

Active play in our fenced backyard with climbing, digging, and exploring.

10:30 - 11:00 AM

Snack & Story Time

Healthy snack followed by read-aloud and quiet activities.

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Creative Arts & Sensory

Art projects, sensory bins, science experiments, and music.

12:00 - 12:30 PM

Lunch

Nutritious, home-cooked lunch with a focus on healthy eating habits.

12:30 - 2:30 PM

Nap / Quiet Time

Restful nap or quiet activities for older children.

2:30 - 3:00 PM

Afternoon Snack

Light snack and gentle wake-up activities.

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Structured Play & Learning

Small group activities, puzzles, building, and imaginative play.

4:00 - 5:30 PM

Free Play & Pickup

Indoor or outdoor free play until families arrive.

Testimonials

What Our Families Are Saying

The greatest compliment we receive is the trust of our families. Here is what some of them have shared about their experience.

"Happy Little Scholars has been an absolute blessing for our family. Olivia runs to the door every morning, excited to see her friends. The care and attention she receives is incredible, and her language skills have blossomed since starting."

Sarah M.

Parent of Olivia, age 3

"Finding quality care for twins was daunting, but Happy Little Scholars made it easy. The small group size means our boys get real, individual attention. We love the daily photos and the home-cooked meals are a wonderful touch."

David & Emily R.

Parents of twins, age 2

"Noah was so well-prepared for kindergarten thanks to the pre-K program. The learning activities are creative and engaging. Most importantly, he feels safe and loved every single day. We couldn't ask for more."

Jessica L.

Parent of Noah, age 4

Get in Touch

Ready to Join the Happy Little Scholars Family?

We'd love to hear from you! Schedule a tour, ask questions, or start the enrollment process. Fill out the form and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Location

123 Maple Lane, Springfield, IL 62704

Hours

Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM