Notes from Smita
Helpful notes for Calgary families.
Honest, first-hand answers from 15+ years of caring for little ones — choosing care, understanding fees and subsidies, and what day-to-day life looks like at a licensed dayhome.
Tears at drop-off are normal: our gentle plan for the first week
Starting a new dayhome and worried about separation anxiety? How we settle new little ones in at Little Steps NE Calgary, what really happens after you leave, and what helps in that first week.
June 24, 2026 School ReadinessWhat kindergarten readiness really means (it's less about ABCs than you'd think)
A 15-year dayhome provider on what actually gets a 3-to-6-year-old ready for kindergarten, why it isn't flashcards, and the everyday ways we build it at Little Steps in NE Calgary.
June 20, 2026 NE CalgaryLooking for a dayhome near Skyview Ranch, Redstone or Cityscape?
A home-based, licensed dayhome right in Redstone Grove NE, close to families in Skyview Ranch, Cityscape, Cornerstone and Saddle Ridge. Why a spot nearby makes the everyday easier for ages 3 to 6.
June 16, 2026 SummerSummer at Little Steps: sunny days, water play, and steady routines
What summer looks like at our NE Calgary dayhome — outdoor play, water fun, sun safety, and the steady routines that keep little ones happy all season. Summer spots open for ages 3–6.
June 9, 2026 Our ProgramA typical day at our preschool dayhome (ages 3 to 6)
A warm walk-through of a real day at Little Steps in Redstone NE — from morning circle time and play-based learning to home-cooked lunch, quiet rest, and creative afternoons.
June 2, 2026 Choosing CareWhat to look for when choosing a dayhome in Calgary
A 15-year childcare provider's honest checklist for visiting and choosing a Calgary dayhome — the questions to ask, the things to notice, and the green flags that matter most.
June 1, 2026 Choosing CareLicensed dayhome vs. daycare vs. unlicensed care: what NE Calgary parents should know
The real differences between a licensed family day home, a day care centre, and unlicensed private care in Alberta — ratios, oversight, and what 'licensed' actually means for your child's safety.
May 30, 2026 Fees & SubsidiesHow the Alberta Child Care Affordability Grant works (and what you'll actually pay)
A plain-language 2026 guide for Calgary families: Alberta's flat $15/day childcare fee, what full-time and part-time cost at a licensed dayhome, and why it isn't income-tested.
May 28, 2026